The OCs

[LeaElle]

1. After a days work at the cafe, Alanis finally talks to Mickie why she is there and decides to take her back home. Though Mickie doesn't want to leave, she knows she can't do anything about it. While cranking up her jalopy, the engine fails to switch over. Archer tries to help her to get her car working again.








[Alternative] Archer says that he doesn't mind driving those 25 minutes over to the next city to help take Mickie home. Alanis is grateful. When they get there, some argument is heard from inside the house, and a couple of things banging on the floor. Alanis decides that it's best if she brings Mickie back home with her for a while.

 

[LeaElle]

The people that were once in the cafe had begun to disperse from the building as the closing time had grown nearer. Alanis was much more tired than she had ever been after a day of work. She wasn't sure if it was because of how she kept herself busier throughout the day, or if it was just because of the whole ordeal with her sister. Whichever the reason, it sure did take a toll on her. Alanis had removed her Cheshire animatronic ears and tail, and hung them up on their designated spot. She then drew her fingers through hair, the gesture that she made proved just how frustrated she had became.


"Okay, Mickie. Get your things-- I'ma finish up doing all of this, and then I'm taking you home." Alanis informed her sister, the tone of her voice having a mixture of tiredness and irritation. She looked over at Mickie with her hands clasped to her hips, an authoritative stance she had as she glared at the gray-eyed girl.


"But Alanis, I--" She had started to say as she stood up from seat in a hurry. She almost knocked over the napkins holders and condiment bottles from the table, but she paid them no mind.


"But nothing-- And watch out before you break something, Mickie." She continued on with an annoyed tone, the expression on her face looked as if it could kill armies with a single piercing look. Alanis finished off the few tables and chairs that she had left to clean, and picked up her bags from the worker's lounge station and began to march her way to the door. When she made it to the door, she looked to her sister and beckoned her over to come, and as much as Mickie wanted to stay, she saw no point on beginning an argument she knew she wouldn't be able to win. And with that thought, Mickie stomped her way out of the door.


Before Alanis followed out the door, she looked towards her three co-workers who were still fixing things back in order, preparing to close the store for the night. "I apologize to you all for her. I'll see you all tomorrow." She said with a sigh before finally exiting the front door.

 

[LonelySnowPrincess]

During the entire time that Alanis had been "arguing" with her sister, the three males had made it a point to stay just enough distance away to where they could hear what was going on. Well, at least two of them were. Raven, the jet haired boy didn't appear to be interested in her trivial matters with her siblings. He simply continued sweeping the floor, a chore he often neglected and left to Vermillion, but decided to give it a try today.


Archer and Vermillion on the other hand were obviously ease dropping, making sure to turn the other way and pretend to be doing whatever it was they were suppose to be doing whenever Alanis turned their way. Once Alanis clocked out, and headed in the direction of the door, Archer's head lifted again and followed her. He was surprised when she in turn, looked back up at them and apologized for the scene they had caused. That was definitely strange for her, or at least for him to see of her. He blinked, curious and slightly worried about what may have happened between the two of them.


"Don't even think 'bout it," Vermillion, the crimson haired male behind him huffed as he tied his hair up into a messy bun, having finally removed his hat and the trinkets from his costume. "It's her business, not yours."


"Yeah, Yeah," Archer brushed him off, glancing at him before turning back to the door. He sighed, looking to the tables he was suppose to clean for the day. Though, cleaning was never really his strong suit. He scowled at the stained table, then tossed his hat and coat off and hung it up. "Hey Vermillion take care of this for me will ya?" He winked, waving to them as he followed in pursuit after Alanis a few minutes afterwards.


Vermillion grumbled, annoyed by his best friend's antics, but definitely not surprised by them. He often did this anyway, shirking his work when it came to tidying up. But still, it's not like he wanted the extra cleaning task!


"You should have seen that coming," Raven said bluntly, still sweeping, his back to the red head as he sighed and continued to clean.

 

[LeaElle]

The bell alarm jingled that was suspended above the door like it would always do when someone enters or leaves. And as soon as the door completely shut behind her, a relieving sigh forced it's way from her mouth. She started to walk after Mickie, whom was making her way to Alanis' car that was parked across the street.


Alanis' car had nothing special about it. In fact, it was rather plain: A four door 'soccer mom'-looking car, silver and with a few scratches into the paint. But, nevertheless, it was Alanis' vehicle and it got her where she needed to be, for the most part.


As Alanis made her way closer to her vehicle, she pulled a set of keys from her purse. She aimed a small black device at her car, pressed the 'unlock' button upon it, and a confirming horn sound came from the car as she approached the trunk of her automobile. Alanis lifted up the trunk door and placed her things into the back of it as she would usually do. Afterwards making sure that everything was settled in the luggage department, she closed the trunk and made her way to the driver's door.

By this time, Mickie had already got into the passenger seat of Alanis' car. The look of disappointment was plastered over her face. She had thought she would really be able to actually spend time with her only sister. The displeased girl placed her elbow upon the compartment between the driver seat and passenger seat and laid the left side of her head in the open palm of her hand.


Alanis had gotten into the driver's seat and she closed the door, pressing the "lock" button that was located next to the handle of the door, locking all four doors of the vehicle. She looked over at the miserable look that Mickie displayed, and as much as Alanis knew she should probably have a heart-to-heart talk with her, she completed dismissed her sister current state.


"Put on your seat belt, Mickie." Alanis ordered as she placed the key into the ignition of the car. She heard a sigh come from her sister, and the sounds of the leather making squeaking sounds as Mickie moved around a bit in her seat. Finally, the snapping sound of the seat belt uniting with the buckle was heard. Alanis twisted the ignition of her car, attempting to start it only to be greeted with a loud, rattling sound from the car. "...No. N-no-no-- Don't do this now!" Alanis said as she continued to try to starting the ignition, but after several attempts, the car remained non-compliant.


"Damnit." Alanis expressed as she looked over at Mickie who had now perked up a bit as she realized that the car wasn't starting.


"We can just go to your place. It's getting dark, and you could just get ya car looked at tomorrow." Mickie suggested to her older sister, in hopes that she would agree and she would just let her spend at least the night with her.


Alanis just looked at Mickie with wary expression, unbuckling her seat belt. "Just stay here. It's probably nothing. I'ma have a look at it." Alanis said as she unlocked her door.


Mickie had slouched back into her seat, looking more saddened than she was before as she watched Alanis make her way to the hood of the car. Mickie just stared out the windowsill at her sister, hoping that Alanis would feel sorry for her, but it seems as Alanis didn't even noticed her and continued to raise the hood.

 

[LonelySnowPrincess]

Once Archer had stepped out of the store, it took him a moment to pinpoint where Alanis had gone. He didn't seem to see them in the front parking lot, not that it was very big in the first place. They did run a cafe after all, and as such most people would simply walk here or take the bus instead. He did however know she owned a car, but he wasn't exactly sure what kind it was. He could recall hearing her mention how she would drive to work, but when asked what kind of automobile she drove, she would simply dismiss him entirely. Not that it was much of a surprise to him now after all.


"Don't tell me she left already...," he sighed, expression almost crestfallen as his shoulders shrugged downwards clearly showing that he was saddened by her absence. Then however, he suddenly remembered that there was employee parking in the back, and his expression brightened just a bit at this as he perked back up. "Wait a minute..," he thought to himself as he turned on his heels and made his way to the back of the building. "Maybe she still is...."





Just as if he'd hoped, surprised that luck was on his side, Alanis still sat in the back parking lot of the cafe and seemed to be working on...her car? The car wasn't anything extraordinary. He made sure to take note of it as soon as he saw it. When it came to cars, clothing, or well, anything really, Archer tended to be rather flashy. Still, shaking the rather, disappointing car from his thoughts, he turned back to the girl before him and realized that she was having a bit of trouble with the vehicle. Her hood was up and she was paying so much attention to it, that he took the chance to sneak up on her and tip toe over to the car.


Archer was grinning from ear to ear, simply for the reason that he had gotten to her before she was able to leave. And as luck would have it, it appeared she wasn't leaving any time soon because her car looked as if it were out of commission. He glanced to the interior, noticing a sad faced Mickie inside, and he gave her a wink before placing his hands behind his back and turning to the hood of the car where Alanis was behind.


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/tumblr_inline_n4t814Exxy1s3m2fo.gif.126c052ed23fbf7c0ae6b58555cc9256.gif" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="54734" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/tumblr_inline_n4t814Exxy1s3m2fo.gif.126c052ed23fbf7c0ae6b58555cc9256.gif" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


"Hey there Alanis~" He called out to her, a big smile on his face to greet her. He was pretty sure that she would be grumpier than she often was, at least with him, so why not take the approach more positively than normal?


"Having some car troubles there?"

 

[LeaElle]

Mickie followed her sister's instructions and sat in the car with a solemn look. As much as she had rather not being told not to move from that spot, she knew that she couldn't argue with Alanis and win the disagreement. The clanking of noises that Alanis was making under the hood of the car disrupted her progression of thoughts. 'Perhaps,' she thought within her mind, 'Alanis won't be able to fix whatever is wrong with this thing.' An insignificant smile crept it's way to Mickie's lips as the idea passed through her brain.


But then Mickie noticed the shape of something from the corner of her eye, and she turned her head to look out the window. She saw one of Alanis' co-workers, the one named Archer, who had probably came to aid in the car issue. The small smile that she had from the tiny grain of hope in her mind began to gradually fade. She slumped back against the passenger seat as Archer passed from her sights towards Alanis. "...Oh no.." She mumbled to herself, crossing her arms across her chest.


Meanwhile, Alanis was devoted into repairing her vehicle, she hadn't even paid any attention to Archer who had made his way over to her. She was mumbling under her breath as well, mostly curse words and swears as she gave the engine a look over.


She then heard a voice that was near her, and Alanis immediate response had caused her body to jolt into surprised. The whole ordeal cause her to hit the top of her head on the hood of the car. She removed herself from being underneath the hood and placed her hand over the top of her head where the pain was radiating over. When Alanis looked over to see Archer, an infuriated expression surfaced to her face.


"Nah. I just decided to play around inside the hood of my car for fun, Archer~" She said with a sarcastic, sing-song tone, but the stress was easily noted as well. She looked up at him with her eyebrows furrowed and rolled her eyes before turning her attention back at the inside mechanics of her automobile.


"Turn the ignition for me, Mick." She said in an authoritative manner, placing her hands on her hips while she looked down before her.


As much as Mickie didn't want to, she leaned forward to crank the ignition. The car rumbled such harsh and almost demonic sounds as Mickie attempted to start up the car.


Alanis placed her palms down on the edge of car, and she leaned over with her head hung down. A tired and annoyed sigh found it's way through her mouth. She motioned her neck to where she can look back at Archer, and she just glared at him as if her was the trouble and cause of all of this.

 

[LonelySnowPrincess]

Archer could only wince, sucking at his teeth as it made a sort of "tsk" sound when Alanis bumped her head against the hood of the car. He was right. If she hadn't been in a bad mood at first, she was definitely going to show him what for for making her bump her head. He gave a nervous laugh as she came around from under the car's hood, her expression just as he had expected it to be, if not more terrifying. He bit the bottom of his lip, thinking for a moment of what exactly to say in retort of her smartaleck response.


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/tumblr_inline_n4t82kjSBB1s3m2fo.gif.118eaba1d114ff6dea2d661dfa51677e.gif" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="54951" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/tumblr_inline_n4t82kjSBB1s3m2fo.gif.118eaba1d114ff6dea2d661dfa51677e.gif" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


A small chuckle managed to escape his lips before he looked back up to her. He wanted to return with one of his own smart remarks, but managed to bite his tongue for the moment and see exactly what the problem was.


"Well, I see that. So I'm going to assume that everything is under control with the car then?"


Before he could get an answer however, Alanis commanded her sister to try the switch. He got his answer soon enough though, because just as soon as Mickie turned the switch, the automobile manifested the most unholy of wails, causing his eyes to go wide before covering his mouth and turning away as if to hold in the laughter he could feel coming. He noticed Alanis shoot him a glance, but it didn't seem to affect him. It took all he had not to laugh right there in her face.


Finally, he managed to keep a straight face, and he turned back to her as if nothing had even happened. "Well, it looks to me like ya in the shit sheila," he hummed, making sure to say this in the most sing songy way possible to get on her nerves even more than he already was. He couldn't even manage to keep a straight face anymore.


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/tumblr_inline_n4t82gFWQT1s3m2fo.gif.c5302baf1891a2658a23485bb1af5bf3.gif" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="54952" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/tumblr_inline_n4t82gFWQT1s3m2fo.gif.c5302baf1891a2658a23485bb1af5bf3.gif" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


"If ya want some help from me I could take a look at it."

 

[LeaElle]

"I can handle this, Mmk?' Alanis barked at him with a petty and snarky attitude. The frustration was taking it's toll on Alanis as she went on to dabble in mechanics of her vehicle one again, completely ignoring Archer's offer to help. She thought she had everything under control.


'Who does he think he is?-- Coming here and tryna to demean me.' She had brooded in her mind, a focused look upon her face as she shuffled her hands around inside the hood of the car. And as soon as those unreasonable thoughts came to her mind, a gurgling sound commenced from the car. Alanis quickly removed her hands from where they were settled. Smoke proceeded to follow the strange noise, and Alanis' eyes widened in shock. She looked back at Archer once again, her eyes still widened from shock.

Meanwhile, Mickie couldn't help but chuckle at the whole situation herself. She knew that her sister was as stubborn as an ox, and it was hilarious to always observe Alanis' pigheadedness in action.


Alanis begun to glare her eyes at Archeras if they were deadly, piercing daggers, and if looks could kills, Archer would be six feet under ground right about this moment. She had failed to fix the issue with her car, and she had known that she wasn't going to make any further progress than what she already had made. The pride and independence that was instilled inside her brain made her want to say 'No, I got this. An easy fix. I don't need your help.', but she knew that it was irrational thinking and letting Archer help her would be the most reasonable option.


The most disgruntled sigh projected from Alanis' mouth, rolling her eyes as she backed away from the hood of the car. She crossed her arms as she looked up at Archer, a simple smile surfacing to her mouth.


"Fine. Go ahead." She began to voice as she allowed the smile to stay on her face as if she wasn't irritated at all. "'Take a look at it', Archer.~" She mocked him while she narrowed her eyes once again.

 

[LonelySnowPrincess]

Archer simply held his hands up when Alanis announced that she could take care of the predicament herself, trying once more to hold in the next fit of giggles he could feel about to bubble over. As she leaned over to check under the hood of the car again, he made a note to take a glance at her form, quickly shooting his eyes to the ground after getting a good look. Smirking, he placed his hands behind his back quietly as the car made yet another gurgling sound and Alanis lifted her head to turn in his direction. They shared a glance, saying nothing as Alanis stared on in shock and he met her gaze with an intrigued and somewhat smug look of his own.


"You can handle it hm?" He asked, hands still behind his back as he looked her up and down, still amused with how stubborn she was being.


It seemed that this only ticked her off more as she shot him another glare, before surprisingly sighing and seemingly giving up. She rolled her eyes, and then finally announced that she would give him a try with fixing the car. Archer smiled, glad that she had finally broken her stubborn streak, at least for the moment, and given him a chance t-.....wait what?


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/tumblr_inline_n4t81dgkTW1s3m2fo.gif.4f9f23a54aa5d50eb2b532d815231abd.gif" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="56407" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/tumblr_inline_n4t81dgkTW1s3m2fo.gif.4f9f23a54aa5d50eb2b532d815231abd.gif" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


"Oh....wait you want me to try and fix it?" Archer asked, eyebrows raised in shock as all attention had been turned to him. Normally, he'd welcome it whole-heartedly, but this was a car we were talking about. A car's engine specifically. Exactly...what was he suppose to do with that? "Hm...I did ask if you needed help didn't I...."


Archer mosied on over to the car, checking under the hood as if he knew exactly what he was doing. He placed his hand under his chin, stroking it and letting out a curious, "Hm.."


"Well....looks like....," Archer turned to Alanis, his face serious as if her car were never going to work again. "I have no idea what I'm looking at. But hey! If you want a ride I can definitely take you guys home or somethin'." He grinned, hand behind his head and scratching at his scalp as if he knew he was going to feel the rage of Alanis once more.

 

[LeaElle]

The smile that Alanis had fixed upon her face had begun to slowly fade over the next few moments after hearing Archer admit that he had no idea, whatsoever, of what he was looking for in the mechanics of her car. The grin that he possessed on his face did nothing but progress the irritation she had for him at the moment.


"Why would you even-- You don't even know what the hell--!" Alanis was about to free her thoughts, but as much as she wanted to curse and swear at him, she knew it wouldn't really be appropriate at the time being.


Alanis simply inhaled a much needed breath, and then exhaled her frustration. Well, most of it anyhow.


With her eyes still narrowed at him, she made her way beside him, and grasped onto the hood that was above her eyes. She slammed the hood down, closing it while she never allowed her eyes to part away from looking at him. The smoke was beginning to vaporize from where it was initially coming from. Alanis planted her palms flat on the warm, metal hood and hung her head down. A frustrated sigh escaped her breath before she looked up to see Mickie sitting in the passenger seat of her car.


She knew that she should get Mickie home. Mickie would be much more safer there, and she would at least get the attention that she wants there. She knew that her sister would have everything that she needs there.


Calmness had swept over her at the meantime, realizing that it would be ridiculous to work herself up over such a trivial thing. Alanis turned her head to look back at Archer, her cobalt eyes scanning over his face for a moment before speaking. "..I can't ask you to do that, Archer-- You don't have to take us home. It's getting late, and you probably want to get home soon." Alanis finally stated in the most solemn voice before looking back ahead of her at Mickie through the windshield.

 

[LonelySnowPrincess]

As Archer watched Alanis grow more and more frustrated, he couldn't help snickering juuuust a bit the sight before him. She looked as if she would have steam coming from her ears any second now, and he liked it. What could he say? He liked when they were angry at him. He realized however, that he should probably stop for the moment as she appeared to be completely exhausted with the situation at hand.


"Ehh, I don't mind at all mate," he retorted with a shrug of his shoulders. It really wouldn't be a bother to drop them off. It wasn't like he had anything to do after work anyway. Oftentimes he would just head to his apartment, alone, and await the next day where he could spend it at work with his friends. "No skin off my back."


He glanced over to Mickie who still sat in the car, most likely wondering what the two of them were talking about. He noticed that she hadn't exactly seemed to be very chipper, he was sure it had something to do with Alanis' scolding her in the cafe earlier. But, there must have been another reason for it as well right? At least he thought so. Then again maybe it was just a simple teenage mood swing. Meh.


"At the risk of being nosy, why're ya bein' so harsh with your sis mate?"

 

[LeaElle]

One of Alanis' eyebrows had risen as she looked at Archer while he questioned her. She had half a mind to take his curiosity as offensive, but with reasonable thinking, she figured that it wasn't all that odd that he would ask about the situation between her and Mickie. After all, she did grumble and gripe at her young sister while her coworkers could easily observe. Alanis positioned her hands upon her hips as her lips separated as if she was going to voice a reply. But alas, a basic sigh only fell from her lips.


"..Because." She commenced with her retort to Archer question. "I'm her older sister, and I have to be-- What she did was so foolish-- She had no business coming here on a bus by herself like that!" She blurted out at Archer, removing her hands from her hips, and crossing them over her chest.


Unsure of whether she should keep her problems to herself and leaving Archer out of the whole, or just share what she felt with him, she soon tried to dismiss the conversation. She looked towards Mickie once again whom had such a miserable expression upon her face. Alanis ran her palm along her arm before looking back towards Archer.


"Are you sure you'd drop us off? My mom's house is over into the next town, about 20 minutes away from here. And I really gotta get Mickie back home now, most definitely." Alanis began to talk to Archer, her tone becoming more concerned than before.


Alanis looked down at the hood of her car as she never did find it easy for her to ask for help or assistance. Her eye focus shifted from the hood of her damaged vehicle to look back at the pink-haired guy before her.


"...With my car out of commission, I won't be able to take her home after work tomorrow, and she has to be at school for Monday..-- J-just, if you really don't mind, I can admittedly say that I would appreciate it." She said in an somewhat genuine tone.

 

[LonelySnowPrincess]

Archer staggered a moment, caught off guard by the show of emotion from Alanis all of a sudden. Or rather, that she was showing it to him. Most of the time the only thing he got from her was attitude, annoyed sighs, or she just ignored him completely. For her to be opening herself up to him, even this much, meant quite a bit to him. It showed him that she was just an ordinary girl with problems like anyone else, and it made him feel slightly guilty that he had been teasing her about the situation.


Twenty minutes didn't seem very long to him, or maybe it was the fact that he didn't want to go home anyway. He wouldn't mind dropping off Mickie if Alanis really wanted him too. He didn't have a sibling of his own, but he could understand that Alanis was worried. For someone so young to come here alone and expect to stay with her, it probably was stressful for her to deal with.


"Ah, that's fine," Archer waved his hand to her to show that time wasn't a problem. "I can still drop her off and take you home in the process," he offered, reaching into his pocket and holding up his car keys. His car was small, only a two seater, but thankfully he could lift the middle up which gave a bit more room. Hopefully they wouldn't be too uncomfortable during the ride there.


"My car's over there," he said as he clicked the button on his keys, the lights on a car a few spots away from them blinking and making a short honk of its horn.

It was a small sports car, a Chevrolet corvette, shining in the sunlight as if it were new. He made sure to take excellent care of it, at least how it looked. He didn't know a thing about cars, but when it came to looking good only the best was right for him. His parents had gotten it for him. They were not rich, but they could afford a car such as this with a bit of saving. He managed to help along with part of the pay, though it wasn't much it was the thought that counted.


Archer turned back at Alanis and Mickie, a slight grin upon his face as he somewhat hoped to get a shocked reaction out of them. "Well? Ready to go?" He smirked, heading over to his car to unlock the door.

 

[LeaElle]

The blinking of the lights and the sound of the unique, but obvious car horn caught Alanis' attention. She changed the direction of where she was looking almost immediately, and the polished purple car caught her view. The sight of the impressive sports car promoted Alanis' eyes to slightly widen, and she couldn't help but continue to gawk at the super-automobile for a few more moments. 'That car is hella expensive!--' She concluded the obvious in her mind. She began to wonder how Archer could afford such a luxury vehicle on a salary from the work they did at the cafe. 'I had no idea that this guy could afford these types of things--' She continued to pondered for a few moments more.


After being mesmerized by the exotic vehicle, Alanis quickly focused her attention back at Archer who had a smug of a smile upon his face as he started to walk from near her. Alanis couldn't refrain herself from raising her eyebrow at him in a manner of questioning. Her arms were still crossed over her chest, as she continued watching Archer ambled towards the sports car.

"I'll be there in a second. Lemme get my bag outta my car." She uttered as she pivoted around to go back to her driver's side of her now immobile car. She opened the door and reached over to pull the keys. Mickie, who had the expression on her face of amazement, was just looking in awe out of the window at Archer's vehicle.


Mickie's smile beamed as she moved her attention from Archer's sport car to looking at her older sister. "Wooah-- That car is pretty awesome, huh??" Mickie asked her sister, but Alanis didn't respond and continued to gather things from in her car. "You can't get the car started? Is he going to take us over to your place, Al?" Mickie began to spit off questions at Alanis.


As she finished gathering her things that she felt was important and necessary, Alanis finally answered her younger sister. "You still gotta get back to Mom's, Mickie. Archer said he wouldn't mind taking us to drop you off there." She said, crushing Mickie's remaining hope beneath those words. "Now, get your stuff and c'mon." She voiced sternly before stepping back, and closing the door.


A depressed sigh came from Mickie mouth as she slumped down in her seat as if she were melting. She finally grabbed her bag and opened the door, sliding out of the passenger side. She closed the door, and right when she did, she heard the car doors locked.

Mickie crossed her arm as she slumped her shoulders while she walked along with Alanis while they made their way over to Archer's car. Mickie looked up at Archer with puppy-dog eyes, as if that would help her in any kind of way.


"Alright, Archer. I guess we're ready to go." Alanis voiced as she looked over at him, her small purse and keys in her hands.

 

[LonelySnowPrincess]

While Alanis and Mickie transferred their belongings from her inoperative vehicle, Archer went to put his own things in the trunk of his car. As he made his way back around and opened the door for them, he suddenly made a realization. Slowly, he turned from the interior in his car then back over to Alanis and Mickie, quietly looking back and forth between the three.


"Oh....," he muttered to himself, hand removing itself from the car door and finding it's way to the back of his head. He'd made a mistake it would seem, and he knew that once he mentioned this to Alanis, he would be in quite a bit of trouble. And here he thought he had gotten on her good side, saving the day and being able to take her younger sister home. But he seemed to had screwed up yet again.


"Um...hey Alanis," he called over to her, a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead as he swallowed, wondering just how angry she would be about the situation he was about to inform her of. "So....ya know how I said I'd give ya a ride right? Well...ah....ya seee...," he stammered, trying to find a way to prolong his death. "It's ....


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/tumblr_inline_n4t81o7BLk1s3m2fo.gif.b7beac124799bc97ac4a9307ad2678de.gif" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="60998" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/tumblr_inline_n4t81o7BLk1s3m2fo.gif.b7beac124799bc97ac4a9307ad2678de.gif" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


"Okay see...," he finally managed to get the rest of his words out, avoiding the death glare that she would most likely be shooting his way. "My car....it's a sports car right? So that means it's seated for two people...and well...it's three of us and uh...," his eyes shifted up finally, to gaze up at first Mickie, then Alanis. If anything at least now Alanis's annoyance towards Mickie would be directed on him.


He swallowed again, a nervous smile finding it's way across his lips. "Though...y...y-you could like...have her...sit in ya lap?...I-I guess..?"

 

[LeaElle]

Following the two sisters packing their belonging in the luxury vehicle, Alanis was considering on giving Archer a genuine "Thank you" for offering to take her and Mickie to their designated places. But as soon as she began to part her lips to voice her grant her gratitude towards him, he had looked backed at the duo in silence.


The only thing that Alanis had heard was Archer saying her name, as if he was about to direct conversation with her. Her dominant eyebrow rose upon her face in confusion and curiosity as the Australian guy continued to speak. She could not even begin to fathom exactly what the situation her co-worker was about to go on about.


Alanis noticed Archer stammering over his spoken words as if he could not make out the statements that he wanted to say, and meanwhile, she continued to just stare at him with an stoic expression.


Mickie just continued to shift her glanced between the seemingly nervous guy and her stubborn sister. She could not help but allow a small, but notable grin surface upon her face. She knew that she wasn't going to have her way over the current situation, but she at least she can become a bystander and watch the unfortunate events that continued to unravel.

Alanis just continued to stare at Archer with her arms crossed in a discontent and unamused manner as he finished off his problematic sentence. He even suggested that Mickie could sit in her lap, which rung nothing but the word 'Ridiculous' in a loop in her mind.

"You're serious right now, aren't ya?" Alanis asked while she continued to stare at Archer without breaking visual contact between them. Alanis directs her hands in an mild aggressive manner at the interior of the car as she spoke. "How-- J-just how exactly do you expect that to work? Where do you expect her to put her feet? On 'your lap?'" Alanis mocked Archer in a petty way.


As much as she wanted to blow Archer's offer off, and just call a taxi service of some kind to take her there and back, she figured it wouldn't be the wisest thing she's ever done, considering round trips for a cab wasn't all that cheap.


A frustrated sigh left Alanis mouth as she brushed her hair out of her face and just walked past Archer towards the passenger seat of the car. "...Let's just get on with it." She simply said as she sat down in the cushioned seat without Archer's permission.


Alanis beckoned her sister over to try her co-worker ingenious plan of her younger sister sitting in her lap. And as reluctant as Mickie was, walked over to Alanis and begun to squeeze into the seat as best as she could.

 

[LonelySnowPrincess]

He was right. The almost demonic look in her eye as she scolded him was almost enough to make him whimper like a little pup, and as her anger with him seemed to grow, he couldn't help but hold his head down as if he was a small child being lectured by his mother.


"S...Sorry about that mate..," he murmured under his breath in such a low voice, she probably couldn't even hear him. He had been so excited too, to be her hero and make her at least, relieved to have a ride back home. But he managed to only make things worse for her and cause her more stress as the end result.


"I-I.....," he tried to get a word out, but between her death glares and bickering, he couldn't exactly find a right time to squeak something out. Instead he let her finish what she had to say, and then expected her to perhaps call a cab to get she and her sister back home. To his surprise however, she went over to his car and took a seat on the passenger side, beckoning for Mickie to join her just as he had suggested.


It wasn't exactly the "best" plan, and it sure as hell didn't look all too comfortable, but hey they were both in the car. With another nervous grin, Archer joined them, making sure not to glance over at Alanis directly, but instead watching her from the corner of his eye. He knew she was probably pissed at him, which he was once again undoubtedly sorry for.


"Ah...," he opened his mouth to speak as he grabbed his keys, placing them in the ignition and starting the car up with ease. The engine was the exact opposite of her own car, "purring like a kitten" in fact. He turned towards the two uncomfortable looking girls then quickly faced forward again, forgetting that he shouldn't make eye contact with Alanis at the moment. "So...I think that maybe the best thing to do is take your sister to your place for now," Archer suggested, pulling the car out of park and slowly starting off onto the street.


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/tumblr_inline_n4t822osnD1s3m2fo.gif.93ffa3856bad4a8e39e2681f449c16d5.gif" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="61071" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/tumblr_inline_n4t822osnD1s3m2fo.gif.93ffa3856bad4a8e39e2681f449c16d5.gif" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


"Not....not that I wanna get in your business ya know," he quickly added. "Just...well...I'm not sure riding like this for twenty minutes will be comfortable for you two.....or legal." He muttered the last part, but still where they could hear it, as sort of a joke. But he was pretty sure they wouldn't take it that way. The whole situation was laughable in fact, but Archer refused to so much as crack a smile at the moment. Not while he'd made Alanis more annoyed than she had already been.

 

[LeaElle]

Both of the girls looked highly comical in that seat, and the grimaces on their faces complained about their discomfort when their words did not. Alanis struggled momentarily to hand off her items she was carrying over to Mickie. Alanis hasn't had her younger sister sit in her lap in ages, and she obviously had grown since then. Mickie's brown curls were invading her sister's face, and Alanis tried her best to evade and shuffle them out of her personal space.


When they had finally gotten situated enough to being content -- well, as content as they would be at the moment --, Alanis exhaled a tiresome breath as if Mickie's hair were suffocating her.


Alanis had glanced her vision over to Archer as he begun to speak and suggest more ideas that she wasn't too fond of. She had just remained in silence as the car had began to move from it's stationary position. But on the contrary, Mickie thought that Archer's idea sounded great and she had no issue of letting him know about it.


"--Yeah! That's probably the best thing to do, right there." Mickie finally opened her mouth to expressed her opinion, agreeing with Archer as if there was no error in his plan. "See, Al? Even--" Mickie was about to direct at her older sister, but Alanis had interrupted her abruptly.


"EVEN--" She had commenced on a retort, with major emphasis on the word 'Even'. "--Archer should understand that we should get you home." Alanis said with a forced smile upon her face, as she tried to cover up the aggravation in her voice. She then turned her head from looking at her sister to looking back at Archer, preparing to finish her thought.


"Because you have school Monday, and I doubt that my car would be fixed by then." She finally finished her current statement while she continue to look at Archer with a glare of her blue eyes. She continued to narrow her eyes at him at the fact of him getting Mickie riled up again about staying the night with her.


Suddenly, the false cheerfulness that she had in her voice had begun to fall as she voiced her opinion some more at Archer. "So, we will be sticking to our original plan of taking her back home, if you don't mind." She said with another forced, yet small smile across her face. "Oh, but thank you for suggesting that. Really." She finally ended with a hint of sarcasm at the end of the statement.

After she made her statements, she had slowly pivoted her head back to look forward to try to see out of the windshield, though Mickie's hair and upper body just blocked most of the view. She, along with Mickie, just listened to Archer carry on.


Mickie just let a simple smile stretch across her lips at the comment that Archer had made as he continued to drive. But on the other hand, Alanis simply rolled her eyes at her co-worker. There was nothing but silence from the two girls for the first couple of minutes, and silence really wasn't much of Mickie's strongest suit at times.


"...I guess if I have to go home, it'd be pretty cool to show up in your car. It's pretty sweet!" Mickie had finally said to Archer, breaking the thickened silence that was once present.

 

[LonelySnowPrincess]

Alanis's interruption had slightly caught Archer off guard, and although he didn't jflinch from her sudden outburst, he did grip at the steering wheel a bit tighter than he had been. It seemed as though she had no intentions on letting her younger sister stay with her, even if that meant they would be stuck in such an uncomfortable position for almost half an hour. She was so damn stubborn. If it hadn't been confirmed the previous times, it was definitely confirmed now. He figured that now, there was no sense in trying to deter her from her objective. She wanted her sister to go home and that was that.


Archer's face lit up just a bit when Mickie exclaimed how great she thought his car was. He couldn't help the grin that began to surface along his lips, and he nodded his head as he stared back at the road, making sure not to run the red light that had just flashed in front of them. He slowed to a stop, placing his foot on the brake and then turning his head to the girls once more.


"Well then, you're right. At least you'll be showing up in style and not in a busted old van," he joked, eyeing Alanis when he said it as he made fun of her vehicle. It was all in good fun of course. He was sure she would probably shoot him a glare or make a smart comment back at him. "Then again at least ya would have had more room," he chuckled, turning his attention back to the road as the light beamed green signaling to go.


As he continued on the path, he reached forward to turn the radio on for some background noise. He didn't want to bother them to much by yapping away, although he did want to ask more questions. In fact, it was totally useless even thinking that he could keep his mouth shut, because just as soon as he turned the radio on to a light hum to play in the background, he was back at interrogating them.


"So Alanis, what are your parents like? I suppose it's to early in our relationship for me to meet them huh," he grinned, obviously flirting with her as he often did. He didn't seem to have any shame either, even though Mickie was sitting directly in Alanis' lap.

 

[LeaElle]

While Mickie complimented Archer's vehicle with an attempt to break the awkward silent tension among the three of them in the automobile, Alanis raised one of her eyebrows at the conversation that her sister had commenced. She, of course, continued to remain in her muteness for several more minutes. Her body rocked and swayed slightly with the motion of the car as Archer was driving.


After the car had came to a complete stop in front of the traffic light, Alanis heard her co-worker make a joke pertaining to her own vehicle, which was out of commission at the moment. She just turned her head to look at him with the most stoic of faces. But she couldn't really be much offended by what he said. Her van is quite old. Mickie couldn't help but to chuckle at the remark the pink-haired guy made, but she had soon ceased her laughter when she glanced back to see Alanis staring at Archer.


"That's-- That's really hilarious, Archer." Alanis began in a sarcastically interested tone. "But we share different meanings of the word 'busted', ya'see." She continued one with a light smile upon her face. "You think cars can be 'busted.' I think co-workers who think they are hilarious but shouldn't quit their day job are... 'busted'." And with her smart and rude statement, she allowed he smile to become wider as she looked at Archer.

Mickie's eyes just widened at the comment that her sister has just made, and she just clenched her mouth shut for a moment while she stairs at Archer. "That's true! We would had have more room--" Mickie had finally stated before looking ahead at the road before them.


The music in the background speakers began to play while they continued traveling on the road. Alanis had resumed to staring out of the window on her side, but has soon heard her name being called. She simply turned her head back to look at Archer as he questioned about the rest of her family.


"..They are just like any other parents, I guess." Alanis had begun, though she had been a bit hesitant to answer what he has inquired. "And we're not in a relationship-- You're just..- just some guy I work with that was nice enough to take us home." Alanis had retorted, purposely avoiding the whole 'parents' questioning.


Mickie just looked backed and forth between Alanis and Archer, wondering if her sister was going to say at least one thing about their little family. And after a few moments of Alanis trying to drop the subject of their family, Mickie decided it would be a opportune time for her tell something about them instead.


"Uh-- Our parents are nice. Our moms is pretty cool. She likes to go to the casino sometimes. And our Dad--" Mickie had started to speak about the Layton/Onerston mixed family, but was only interrupted by her older sister.


"You mean, your dad, Mickie." Alanis said with a slight sourness in her voice as she narrowed her eyes at her younger sister. Mickie just hung her head down momentarily, and then looked back up at Archer with a smile, as if nothing happened.


"But, yeah. Our family is pretty good-- What about your family?!" Mickie turned the question around on Archer, hoping to take attention off of her and Alanis.

 

[LonelySnowPrincess]

Alanis' smart remark had almost thrown Archer off, but not because he had been offended by it. It was the way that she'd said it, the way she'd twisted his words that made him let out a laugh, all the while shaking his head and taking one hand from the steering wheel to run it through his hair.


"Ahhh good one mate," he snorted, leaning forward just a bit to turn through the radio stations once more before finally settling on a popular pop song. "But I think both you an' I know that I'm a real good lookin' fellow~"


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/tumblr_inline_n4t88hZ1l91s3m2fo.gif.c71ca749a06f2195e6751a5d00c786f1.gif" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="63200" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/tumblr_inline_n4t88hZ1l91s3m2fo.gif.c71ca749a06f2195e6751a5d00c786f1.gif" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


He said this with so much confidence that anyone could easily see that he was definitely assured of himself. Archer knew he looked exceptionally good, and because of that he found a lot of ways to get what he wanted in life. One of those things was sitting right next to him, and he planned to do the same thing he always did when he saw something he liked. However, things still didn't seem to be going according to plan.


When Alanis corrected his comment about them and their "relationship" he pretended as though he had been fatally wounded in the chest, gripping at the area where his heart was located and wincing. "Oooooo ouch, you didn't have to put it so harshly," he groaned, emphasizing the idea that he had actually been stabbed through the heart. "You could have at least said we were friends instead of saying I'm just ...some guy...ya know?"


The last part of his comment didn't have as much of a joking tone as the way he usually spoke, though it may have been hard to catch. He was slightly serious after all. Not everything was a joke to him. He was interested in Alanis, more than how he'd usually be interested in someone. He wanted to get to know her and what she was like. Her hobbies and things she was interested in. But he couldn't seem to get anywhere with her. Still, he thought that they were at least friends since they had been working with one another for a while now. Apparently though, she did not see it in that way...and this hurt him.


In any case, in a means to turn his attention away from the little tinge in his chest, Archer put his mind elsewhere focusing more on Alanis and Mickie's parents. By the sound of it, they didn't have the same father, and Alanis sure didn't seem to care for her current fath- er step-father. He wanted to ask more about the situation, more about Alanis, but as it stood he felt it wasn't his place. Not for him at least. He was just a co-worker after all. A co-worker lending another co-worker a ride home. He couldn't dip that deeply into their business.


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/tumblr_inline_n4t82hYKpq1s3m2fo.gif.1a954fa5a4cf44bea0b7f48c1c0b47ac.gif" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="63204" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/tumblr_inline_n4t82hYKpq1s3m2fo.gif.1a954fa5a4cf44bea0b7f48c1c0b47ac.gif" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


At the sound of Mickie's voice, he was snapped back to reality however, his eyes glancing off the road to look her way when she asked about his own parents.


"Ah, ah..," he murmured, almost to himself as he tried to gather his thoughts. "My parents..?" His voice began to return to it's usual cheery tone, a small grin showing on his lips. "Well, they own that lil' cafe that we just left. Well, least my mother does. It's named after her. Alice," he hummed, placing his free hand on his thigh as he patted it to the beat of the music that played in the background. "And let's see...my dad. He used to be a safari guide back 'ome in Australia, but since we moved here well now he works as a manager in a zoo. He always did love animals, an' I guess I got that from 'em."

 

[LeaElle]

Alanis had continued to look at Archer with that devious smile of satisfaction for a few moments more, only for his following comment to bring a furrowed brow of disapproval upon her face. Though, she had to admit, throughout all of her stubbornness, her co-worker was easy on the eyes. She just simply decided that she didn't have time to get to know anyone, especially on an intimate level. 'Besides,' she started to think to herself. 'He'd just be a distraction; And who knows what kinda relationships he's already into.'


As the popular, and well-known song begun to play, Mickie found herself mouthing some of the lyrics in synchronization with the music. She moved her head lightly in rhythm with the beat of the song. Alanis sat there and suffered through her younger sibling's hair swaying against her face, but she had soon re-positioned her head. Alanis let out a small sigh, both of a relief and frustration.


Though Alanis had made this drive to and from her step-father's house, this ride seemed particularly long. And the uncomfortable position that she and Mickie were situated in probably contributed to that factor. Perhaps, it was also the discussion of their family. Alanis had quickly shut Mickie down when she had addressed that they both shared the same father. Alanis never really enjoyed the company of her step-father. He always seemed as if he was up to no good. But they were only her 'feelings' towards him. Nothing to prove that he was no more than a normal man, though she had heard different from her older brother. But nevertheless, she didn't want him to be thought of as her father.


A small amount of time had passed since the topic of Alanis parent's had been brought up for discussion. Alanis had became silent once again, but Mickie had no probably returning the same question back to Archer. Alanis had allowed Archer to grasp her attention as he talked about his own parents. He seemed way more opened about his own family.


"Australia?" Mickie had asked as if she was confused for where he originated. "Really?-- Ohh. That's why you speak like that, isn't it?" She asked, a bit intrigued at the fact. "Did you see kangaroos and koalas there?" Mickie had continued to ask Archer questions as he drove the car.

"And your dad's a manager at a zoo-- I haven't gone to a zoo in, like, forever!" Mickie exclaimed before looking over to her older sister. "Do ya think we can go, Al? Please? Just one day?" Mickie asked in the most pitiful voice.


Alanis just glared her eyes at her sister before she parted her lips to answer her. "I'm sure Archer doesn't want to be bothered with trying to get you to a zoo, Mick." Alanis said sternly to her younger sister. "Now, you're just worrying him. He's already being nice enough by giving us a ride." Alanis continued on to scold her Mickie.

 

[LonelySnowPrincess]

Archer couldn't help but snicker as he watched Alanis' younger sister mouthed the words to the song, her hair swaying in Alanis' face. The sight was quite amusing, Alanis with such an irritated expression as her sister's long strands danced around her nose and mouth. He wanted to make a comment about it, but he knew for sure that by now, it was no longer the time to tease her or make a smart comment on anything else. He was still slightly upset about what had been said earlier, but he had managed to still grin and act how he normally did.


When Mickie asked about his language, and the things he'd seen while living in Australia, Archer's grin only grew. He nodded, waving his finger in the air. "You betcha'! I was always with my dad when he was on the Outback ya' know. I saw lions and everything!" He loved how excited she seemed to be about his life. He had no problem with sharing his things about his family and how he grew up. He loved his family after all. They meant a lot to him.


At the mention of the zoo, Archer's eyes lit up like a small child's. If Mickie wanted to go, then of course he could get them in free and show them around. Heck, he helped there part time when he wasn't at the cafe because he loved hanging out with the animals. His father had connections after all, he could pretty much do what he wanted as long as the safety of the animals and people were both ensured. This could also be a way for him to possibly be closer to Alanis. It didn't even have to be a date. He just wanted to be considered her friend.


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/tumblr_inline_n4t81mFdqZ1s3m2fo.gif.c67fd0cac793373511f99a33268c1669.gif" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="63259" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/tumblr_inline_n4t81mFdqZ1s3m2fo.gif.c67fd0cac793373511f99a33268c1669.gif" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


"I wouldn't mind at all," Archer interrupted, growing more and more excited about the thought of attending one of his favorite places with Alanis. "I'd love to take you both to the zoo if ya wanted. No skin off my back. I love the place anyway." Not to mention that he could definitely show off if he got them to go there.


As he finished, he realized that he had arrived in the neighborhood nearby where Alanis had given him directions to their home earlier. He scanned the area, looking for their address. "First...a little help finding your house..?"

 

[LeaElle]

Mickie's mood had lightened with Archer's interruption, and a sizable smile emerged upon her face. The younger, teenage girl looked to her elder sister in approval on the idea that even her co-worker agreed upon. Alanis looked between Archer and Mickie, and he she could see that they both thought the zoo was amazing place to visit. Alanis didn't want to be a scrooge about the situation; She honestly did want her little sister to be happy. And taking a day off to head to the zoo together may make up for the recent circumstances of Mickie not being able spend the weekend with her.

Alanis finally looked towards Mickie, whom had a hopeful look in her eyes. Conclusively, Alanis shrugged her crowded shoulders at her sister before she started speaking. "Fine, Mick. We can go to the zoo, one day. And that's if Archer still won't mind." Alanis said her final remark in a genuine tone, had being beaten by a persistent younger sister and a jesting co-worker.


Mickie let out an exclamation of victory and preceded to smiling back at Archer. She then nodded her head at the guy controlling the steering wheel. "Cool car. Cool jokes. And a zoo!" Mickie continued on, as she was excited with the outcome of this ride. "I'm glad that Al can have a cool friend like you." She had finally stated before looking out of the windows, seeing that they were nearing her parent's home.

The blue-eyed girl couldn't help but roll her eyes a bit at her sister, but then she just lightly smiled at seeing Mickie be a bit happy. Her day had been turned around, she didn't even complain about being almost home again.


Alanis then turned her attention to Archer when he inquired about the directions to their home, seeing as he had slowed down as he drove through the neighborhood. A breathy sigh came from her mouth as she looked out the window. "It's just at the end of this street--The two-story bricked house with the iron fence." She said as she used her finger as guidance, pointing in the direction on where to go.

 

[LonelySnowPrincess]

Archer did his best to hide his excitement when Alanis proclaimed that she wouldn't mind accompanying her sister to the zoo. He had been almost more than half-sure she would say no, but to his surprise it was the opposite and he couldn't have been happier. Now they'd need only set a time and date. He could ask her the details at another time. As of now his mind was on getting Mickie home safely and making sure not to piss off Alanis any more than he had.


Mickie's excited little cheer made him just as happy, seeing her smiling face let him know that he had at least made one girl happy. He wondered, maybe he could invite his friends as well to sort of lighten up the mood. It would make it seem less of a date if he did so, and Mickie would have a playmate too. Once again his mind had wondered back on the trip, showing just how excited he was, and he had to bring himself back to the reality of inside the car.


"Ah me?" Archer chuckled, rubbing the back of his head when Mickie said this. "Well, I'll admit that I aaaam pretty cool," he made sure to emphasize. "But I don't think your sister thinks of me as your friend," he glanced up shortly at Alanis when he said this, looking down just as fast as he'd looked up at her. He turned his attention back to the road when Alanis had given him the instructions to their home.


"Well," he spoke, hoping to change the subject as a means to ease the awkwardness he was feeling. Thankfully, he had finally arrived at their home, at least he believed this was it. The way Alanis had described it seem to fit perfectly, so he slowly pulled into the driveaway and stopped just at the gate. "Let's just get you home for the time being, and I'll ask Alanis about it later alright?"


He stared out the front window of the car at their home, slightly surprised by just how nice it appeared. By the looks of it, it seemed that her family did quite well for themselves. So then why, he wondered, was she working at the cafe with them? Well, the same could go for a friend of his, whose family was also loaded, and yet he continued to wok at the cafe as well. Perhaps she wanted to make her own money then?


"Wowee," Archer whistled, staring up at the brick home in awe. "I didn't expect something so nice. Least not from Alanis that is," he joked, suddenly wishing he hadn't said it as he'd forgotten to keep his mouth closed when it came to making jokes about her.