Library/Origins

I have like a 30 page long notebook with this fic on it, but my handwriting is so unreadable, it might never see the light of day

aLSO OUTDATED from around 2014-2015, I don't recall details and am too lazy to look it up

## Origins

The constant ticking of hundreds or clocks echoed through the diverse rooms of a large
Victorian looking Workshop decorated in what seemed to be a Steampunk style. It
was once inhabited by the local craftsmaren and inventor Rust, a talented
mechanic capable of creating almost any sort of gadget one could wish for. Few
knew he was actually a time traveler who visited various timelines in search
for inspiration and some few goodies to take in his way. And by taking, he
meant, stealing. He was often getting in various chasing comic scenes, escaping
every time from those who wished him dead.

Recently, in the last year, he
had gotten a new workmate who went by the name of Steam Vapora, a professional
pilot  and a great gunner despise of her
youthful age of sixteen. She did grow in a family of pilots and aviators, and
craved to be as good as or ever better than then.

She stood outside the large
building, cleaning the bright black wing of her beloved plane, VPR 100, after a
recent flight to patrol their area. It wasn’t like anything could bother them
in the peaceful forest they lived in. She just really enjoyed flying, embracing
the feeling of having no floor beneath her as the wind caressed her pale blonde
hair. Unlike most regular Nightmaren, she wasn’t born with the ability to fly.
She stopped when she felt a presence behind her and looked back, noticing Rust
staring curious at her. He certainly loved to scare others like that, and
pouted disappointed when she spot him, making her grin in amusement. – Not this
time! Hehe.

Vap… I was looking for you,
but I didn’t know you were out… Why didn’t you say anything? – He mumbled,
looking slightly worried

The girl
stared at him clueless, and then proceeded to take off her pilot headgear tying
her hair in two low twin tails, smiling – I fail to see the problem. You never
say when you’re going out, so why should I? Don’t be worried, I can take good
care of myself.

I… I wasn’t worried, okay?
– He pouted – I’ve just been thinking about that one thing you once told me,
and after I’ve made all my decisions and mentally preparing myself for
everything, I went to search for you and you were just nowhere to be seen.

Looking for me? Don’t tell
me you’re having an existential crisis again.

He let out an embarrassed chuckle - …Close?

Hum… What happened?

It’s been bothering me for
a while and I’ve recently grown curious about it. Remember when you told me
that I should go time-traveling back, just to find out about my… Family? – He
looked disgusted at the side – Relatives… Mother… Father… Siblings, maybe? If I
could maybe, just maybe, know why they left me.

 I’m sure that they must have had a really good
reason to leave you alone without saying anything… -

She looked worried at him
as he kept his default pokerfaced expression. She was used to see him upset,
but rare were the times when he would open up to anyone, which made him hard to
read.

Whatever their reason is, I
just want to know! Perhaps you… Hum… Would want to accompany me? To help.

You’re scared, aren’t you?
It’s fine. – She said smiling softly

N-NO! – He blushed a bit –
It’s n-not that! It’s just that you know more Maren from CopperLand and I sort
of have the bad reputation of permanent borrower of expensive objects.

A thief. – She raised an
eyebrow – You should really start calling things by their names. But yeah, I’ll
help you not get scared or lost alone in your way. I understand that you might
feel nervous with all of this.

… I’m not… - He covered his face and grumbled a bit – So, you’ll be coming,
right?

I too would like to know you origins and where you come from! When do you plan
to go?

Right now!

No. No. Not that “when”, I mean “when” in time.

He
looked unamused at her – That’s my quote. And the “when”. - He thought for some
seconds. - 19th February, seventeen years ago. It would make sense
if it was the birth day of this disgrace brought to marenkind.

Haha you’re SOOO funny.

Whaaat? It’s a joke! – He
let out a nervous grin, reaching for his pants’ pockets, grabbing a golden
pocket watch, and then proceeding to turn some buttons on it.

… We’ll go starting
midnight, or do you have planned hours? – She asked curious

Midnight sounds good – His
eyes shone with glee – We’ll be spying on other’s houses!

That’s a bit creepy! Plus
it won’t help your reputation! What we will be looking for is a couple with a
baby you. – She giggled a bit – I can’t wait to see your baby cheeks, I’ll ask
to poke them! – He blushed and looked awkwardly at her.

Vap. You can’t simply walk
to some couple and ask to poke their child’s cheeks. That’s creepier than
spying others’ houses. That I can certainly confirm! – He said as he kept
messing around with the watch and a tanned finger proceeded to poke his tanned
cheek.

Boop. Hehe.

Haha.

That’s cute -. She
continued – I know you’re excited and all, but Miss Vapora over here has to go
change to a more… Casual outfit! I can’t go dressed as a pilot, you know?

Pfft… Girls. And here I had
just finished adjusting the everythings! Don’t take too long!

She nodded and quickly
rushed inside, only appearing ready about 15 minutes later. Yet the black
haired boy was nowhere to be seen. She searched for him with her gaze, until
she spotted him, in a small sunny spot under some trees where he rested
peacefully with his eyes closed. She quickly walked towards him, giggling at
his position. – Oh my God, what are you doing?

He
opened one eye and smiled at her – I’m getting a tan, what do you think? – He
sighed – Took you long enough.

Excuse me, sir, but try to
put on this outfit and you’ll see!

I doubt I’ll look any good
in a corset thank you very much.

Yeah, but even so. You
can’t stay perfect without even trying.

He laughed – Oh please! Watch your words. Looking
perfect happens to be one of my special talents. Don’t ever argue with me about
that!

I’d agree if you tried to
put on a corset, okay? Hehe. By the way, wasn’t there somewhere that… You know…
Or somewhen we should be going?

… Is that even a word?

I have no idea.

Hum…

Oh my! Would you look at
the time?!  Oh dear I wonder what’s
making us late…! That’s right! It’s Rust because he’s not getting up! Perhaps
the sunlight is comfortable, no?

He
stretched his arms and curled a bit more on the grass, smiling relaxed – You
just can’t imagine!

Oh no, you won’t! You just
guilt tripped me for taking too long! No sleeping for you! – She grabbed his
hand and pulled him up, lucky for her, he wasn’t too heavy. He sighed and
stretched his body, yawning a bit lazy – I was so good in the sunlight… So
you’ve got everything ready?

Yeah I’m good. Is there…
Anything we need to take with us?

Doubt it. – He held the
watch and grabbed her arm – Let us go then! – He claimed as in a split of a
second the scenario changed to the one of a forest with a town nearby, as it
rained heavily.

IT’S RAINING! – Steam
screamed surprised – Why did it have to be raining?!

Rust
let out a soft sigh and pulled her under a small tree for shelter – I know we
just came from a warm place, but it’s just rain. Why are you so frightened?

She
pouted and hugged her body – I wasn’t scared, I was surprised!
It’s so cold… So
what now?

Going to the town would be
the next best thing, do you not agree? – He looked at the watch – Midnight, 19th
February, seventeen years ago. Oh! I’ve actually been here a few months ago! I
know where we can stay or hide to start planning what we’ll do!

Fine, but no stealing in
the way. Do we really have to stay somewhere, though?

Do you want to stay out in
the rain?

No, but they do have that
big metallic ceiling to cover the rain, you know? – She said with a chuckle

What?! – He stared
dumbfounded at the town, noticing that the ceiling was in fact, positioned
where most of the activity occurred – That wasn’t there! At least, not in the
last timelines I’ve been here!

Well… I guess you could
say… Times change!

… Steam. I… I am going
alone. And you are NOT going to follow me! That pun was horrible!

Yeah… I should have chosen…
How do you say… A better time to say it?

That’s it! I’m done! I’m
going alone! – He walked away

AW COME ON! We don’t have
time for this! … Okay this one wasn’t intentional! – She ran after him – I’m
sorry, okay?!

I cannot forgive horrible
jokes, Vap! I’m sorry! – He said, failing to hide an amused laugh.

You’re laughing! I thought
you were mad at me! That’s not funny!

I’m not! Your jokes are not
funny!

Laaame! – She pouted.

Oh! And we’re here!

Hum? Now where do we go?

There’s still a lot of
activity, so my spying plan is out of the question… - He said with a sigh.

Good. Because then I
wouldn’t agree to come with you if you did that. But here’s a silly question!
Do you know at what time you were born?

How should I? – He shook his
head – I don’t know where, either…

You’re all about time and
everything, so it was worth asking.

Hum… You have a point.

Of course! But back to main
problem… Where, how and when do we start knowing, well… Where to start from?
You should have at least some info with you, no?

He
laughed nervously and shifted his gaze to the side – About that…

Steam pouted, this certainly wouldn’t take them
anywhere – Don't tell me you don't have anything!

Just what my surname would
have been, but what does it help?

Oh! Much more than you
think! – She grinned – Be glad you didn’t forget it!

I’ve heard it enough times
for it to leave a mark on my mind…

What was it?

It was… Cartwright… If I’m
not mistaken.

Cartwright…? – She looked
slightly surprised at him – It sounds oddly familiar… And quite fancy too! But
might I ask… How do you know?

Heh… They had some archives
in that ol’ bloody orphanage and I… Well… - He smiled nervously – I have told
you my stealing habits were earned during my childhood, correct?

Ah… I see where this is
going.

Right! – He chuckled
embarrassed - So, I could only have a slight peek at the names before I got
caught, and I remember reading “Cartwright” being written somewhere.

Uhum… Did they have the
parents’ names too? Also… How did you read it?

He frowned a bit mad – I could read, okay?! Just
not too quickly! For whatever reason, the younger Rust just tried to read the
surname and write the letters in a piece of paper! It was a long name, after
all, so I wrote it first! I think the parents’ names were there too but I don’t
recall writing them.

That’s a weird story... –
She smiled mockingly – But alright, I’ll believe you. But I still have this
feeling that I’ve heard about it before…

Who knows? – He shrugged
and looked at Steam who slowly started walking - …?

She looked
back at him curious – What? You won’t find anything if you stay there. Come on.

He didn’t reply and followed her – Where are we
going?

Searching! It’s a big town,
so…

So, there’s a lot to look
at. – He sighed a bit worried – This will be difficult, we need another plan!

She looked curious at him – Rust. We never really had
a first plan. I suggest that we go ask for directions.

What if they don’t know? I
don’t trust asking others. They’ve nothing to do with our business!

Unless you’ve got a better
idea, that’s what we’ll do. Don’t you have any more info?

He
scratched his chin and looked down as if thinking – Hum…

Other family members?
Prized possessions? Photos? – She asked with a pout.

The watch is all I have. –
He pulled out the watch from his pocket and stared at it – But I doubt this
will tell us anything. – He held it tightly and glared at Steam – It’s also
suspicious, I won’t risk losing this. If I do, then we’ll have some serious
problems!

I know, chill. I don’t want
you to lose that either.

He
put the watch back on his pocket and sighed.

Well, I’m going to ask
someone if they know your family and where they reside.

He looked neutral at her – Fine then… - He followed
behind her and held the watch again, examining the small details in it. Despise
the elegant Latin inscriptions around it, it was just a regular watch despise
the whole time traveling matter, or was it...?

He opened the watch's lid and his eyes widened in
surprise as he noticed the pointers twitching and trembling. This wasn't
normal, he thought. He gently poked the watch, but it didn't seem to do
anything. Was it broken? He didn't recall ever seeing it act up like that so
there had to be a reason! He gazed at Steam who seemed to be quite distracted
with things around her. He feared commenting about the watch, after all, she'd
most probably flip! No... He wouldn't let her know...

The pointers kept on trembling and wouldn't stop no
matter what, and it really wasn't the most convenient time for Rust to split up
the watch and look at the pieces inside. Steam gazed back at him slightly
curious since he had stopped midway messing with the darn thing. Being so
distracted with it, he failed to notice the tanned girl staring at him awaiting
a reaction, but the silence suddenly felt strange to him and with that, he
gazed at her, noticing her joker smile - What're you doing? - She asked with a
smirk, walking back to him.

Nothing. -
He mumbled, quickly putting the watch on his pocket, failing not
to catch her attention. She noticed this and pouted.

Are you trying to go back and leave me here? If
I'm annoying you we can just go home.

No... I was just... Checking the time!

No you weren't, you don't poke the watch to see
the time.

Hum... - He looked hesitant at the ground then
back at her - If I tell you, please promise not to go crazy.

She looked
neutral at him then sighed, the habit he had of lying first and telling the
truth right after was certainly starting to get rather annoying the more he did
it.

I only go crazy when you do that lying thing of
yours! You can just say the truth in the first place, right? – She said
frowning, making him stare down embarrassed by this, but she was right anyway.
He reached for his watch, looking hesitant at her, and then showing it to her
without saying a word. She stared unimpressed at it then looking at him – It
has done that before, what’s so special this time?

Rust
stared curious, when did THAT ever happened before? He could claim that he had
never seen the watch act up like that, so how could she know? It was with him
all the time and the only reason it had to do that…
Wait… Could it be..?

Well, this can bring some
trouble if another you is in here, am I right? You did tell me that meeting
yourself could have some weird effects on the watch… Didn’t you?

Did he? Forgetting things did happen to be his one
of his most special abilities, but he could always blame it on having way too
many things happening all at the same time. But thinking again, he did recall
having a conversation with Steam about finding himself… Probably when that
happened, the trembling pointers just weren’t worth his attention, making him
quickly forget about it.

He stared at them again. It was a weak trembling,
but still very noticeable.

I’m not sure if I remember…

Well I do. So what do we do
now? Could it cause a paradox if we met us?

He shook his head in reply – That doesn’t happen
as frequently as everyone thinks. But if it happens to be us, since you don’t
really know who’s there, they’re most probably from the future.

… That’s going to be
awkward.

He shrugged in reply – If you see them, pretend
you didn’t notice. – He stared back at the watch – I think the trembling gets
worse when they’re closer… Logically thinking.

Yeah,
you’re so smart when it comes to pointing out the obvious. No offense.

None
taken.- He said faking a laugh - No, actually I'm offended.

I was
aiming for that.

Well,
aren't you kind... But do not mock my intelligence, miss Vapora, for I can
surprise you when you least expect it! Now, thinking again, we should maybe see
what future us are doing here... Maybe they have found something?

- Who
knows? - She asked as they started walking through the streets in the city -
But maybe we should first look for the house, THEN our future selves? - She
asked with a chuckle, but the boy did not seem convinced to change the plans.

We might
just probably find them at the house! Why else would they... we be here?

The girl remained silent and nodded.
He did have a point after all – Fine. You win. They could just be visiting
though!

He smirked as if proud of himself.
- Of course! Of course, Vap.

Or
maybe... It's the baby you!

Rust stared shocked into a
random point in the void as he heard her say that - Vap...

Yes?

You're a
genius! - He said, putting his hands on her shoulders, smiling uncontrollably.

HAHA I
KNOW RIGHT?! - She squealed happily when he said that - You wouldn't get there
without me, come on!

Hmm... I
would eventually... - He mumbled with a teasing smirk

But not
that quickly. Come on! - She said with a goofy laugh and he just rolled his
eyes with a smile as he continued.

Thank you
Miss Steam Vapora. I, Rust Cartwright am too dumb to get to such an obvious
point and therefor I thank you for you enlightening my obscure mind!

She half closed her eyes and
poked his forehead gently - You're welcome, you dummy.

He chuckled and shook his head
- Let us get going then.

She nodded in reply as both
made their way through the deserted streets, using the watch as a guide. If it
trembled, they were probably in the right way. It was late in the night and
only the tapping sound of the rain hitting the glass and metal ceiling that
covered the sleeping town could be heard, as well as the whistles from the
steam powered machinery that was in every corner of the town.

The town seemed endless, with
streets, stores and workshops as well as various displays of expensive clothes
in tones such as brown, beige and olive green as well as others.

They soon arrived to a more
residential zone, even if they had been through many, actually. But this one
seemed to be for those in higher classes, maybe the most successful inventors,
as well as doctors and aristocrats.

Rust kept his gaze on the
watch, noticing that the light trembling from its hands had turned into
shaking, making the whole watch tremble in his hand - We must be close... - He
said, looking at the girl whose gaze was all over the enormous houses,
elegantly decorated with carefully treated gardens and metallic fences
surrounding them.

Look at
how huge these houses are...! You must have had a good life! - Steam said with
an amazed look, making Rust raise an eyebrow, a bit confused

Of
course... - he said as if weirded out.

Hmm...
So... do you know which one you will be visiting?

She asked curiously as Rust
looked around, then back at the watch as he stepped forward for a while,
without a single word leaving his mouth. Steam pouted with his lack of a
response and opened her mouth to complain about it but at the same time, Rust
just lifted his hand while still staring at the watch with a look that clearly
said "I'm thinking...", making her roll her eyes as the boy walked
around and raised his arm to point a certain way, then looked forward, noticing
he was pointing at one of the houses whose lights happened to be on.

He gazed silent and pulled his
arm to himself as he kept a neutral gaze - That one.

Steam looked at him, then at
the houses a bit confused - Why though...?

It has a
strange vibe. - He mumbled.

No, the
lights are on.

How
convenient... - the boy said, approaching it quietly, followed by the girl

So, how
will we do this?

I was
thinking that we could break inside. However we could easily get caught.
Perhaps we'd just look by the windows and with a few luck, we could find
something, but we'll have to not get noticed...

We could
maybe just knock at door while pretending to be someone else and ask something?

Rust just glanced at her - I
have all the time in the world, but all that time would still not enough for me
to describe how much of a bad idea that is.

Oh. - She
pouted in reply - I see how it is. You're the genius over here, hum?

Exactly.

Very well,
"genius", you go stare at windows and get caught while I go and
knock! One of these is more acceptable.

Ha! What
are you even going to ask?

Ask if
they're having any children~?

Definitely
not suspicious, no no.

Come on,
let's just try~! If it's not them, we can pretend that we got the wrong house!
Which would actually be the case!

That
sounds so boring but whatever.

It’s not
boring, you’re just crazy. Are you nervous?

Pfft. No?
What made you think that?

Yep, you
definitely are.

He gave her a bit if a
concerned look - Well, it's hard not to... I don't know what to expect from
that door...

She smiled a bit in
understanding - You'll be fine! Come on then.

He followed her to door and
raised his hand to knock as he felt frozen for a while. Maybe this wasn't the
house? What if they really didn't want him? What waited behind that door?

Want me to
knock for you? - Steam asked with a mocking smile.

I'm
nervous, shut up! - Taking a deep breath, he finally knocked and waited.

After a while, rushed steps
were heard inside, as if someone was wearing heels and a female voice called
from inside - I'm coming!

Rust felt himself frozen in
place has a young woman opened the door, with pale skin and olive green eyes
with her pale blonde hair tied in a ponytail with a brown bow. She wore a
simple night gown and stared at the two curiously - Oh you poor children, what
are you doing out so late in the night? Are you lost? How can I help you? - She
asked with a kind smile.

Rust just stared at Steam as if
signaling that they had the wrong house, but she simply ignored him and put her
little plan into action - Good evening, miss. Uh... sorry for bothering you so
late in the night, but we just wanted to know some things.

Rust just face palmed as she
spoke, this could be going better.

- Ooh, of course, sweetie. What
would that be?

- Well, you see, me and my
friend here, we have project, for uh... School! And we are almost finished, but
since he's been sleeping so much, he did not do his part. As you can see from
the look on his eyes, he is exhausted and doesn't get enough sleep...! - She
said as she pointed at Rust who groaned mad.

- Vap, this isn't working out!
- He gasped and looked at the woman awkwardly - Huh... Pardon, miss. What she
means is... huh... Does anyone from the Cartwright family live here? - He asked
quickly, facing down - I-It's... W-What I want to know...

The woman looked a bit worried
- Hm, yes... This would be it... Is your little school project about that...?

- N-No, there is no school
project... - he mumbled, glaring at Steam who pouted at him.

- Yes, he's right. We would
just like to talk to the heads of the house, please. - Steam continued for him
as she noticed Rust's shyness often resulted in his voice getting quieter.

- I guess I could call my
husband if you wish. - She said with a smile.

- Wait, are you the head of the
house...? - Steam asked curiously as Rust kept looking down in shyness.

- In a way. But it is mostly
him. Ooh, here he comes.

- Evelyn, why are you taking so
long at the door? - A deeper voice called. Steam raised an eyebrow and poked
Rust's arm as he lifted his head slightly to stare at the maren who appeared
next to the girl. He was tall and pale skinned, with caramel blond hair and
teal coloured eyes. He wore an olive green suit and with a glaring look, he
adjusted his glasses, not even bothering to look at the two - If you are here
to sell anything, then we are not interested, therefor leave now.

- Oh, don't be like that, they
seem like nice children. - Evelyn said with a smile - I think they wanted to
speak to you.

- Yes, it won't take a minute,
sir! - Steam said with a smile. But the man didn't reply, gazing at her then
staring at Rust who almost immediately lowered his head and raised an eyebrow -
Hmph. What do you need at this time of hour? I am quite busy at the moment so
keep it brief.

- Well, it's nothing much, we
just wanted to know if you have any children. Or will be having.

His eyes widened a bit for a
moment when he heard this - ...children...? No! We would never! That is
completely and utterly out of the question! - He gestured with his hands and
glared at them - Why... What kind of question is that?! You should be minding
your own business and be leaving! This is no hour for anyone to be outside!
Goodbye! - He said as he furiously walked away, as Evelyn looked a bit awkward
at them

- Ow, I'm so sorry, he gets a
little too stressed and short tempered at his hour. - She said with a nervous
giggle.

- Yes, he reminds me of
someone... - Steam mumbled, looking at Rust who looked unamused at her despise
how nervous he felt and shook his head - So... No babies in this place?

Rust gazed at her, mumbling -
Vap, you can't just ask that...

Evelyn sweetly - It's fine. And
not ours, sweetie. Ooh, but actually one of our maids will be having hers
sometime really soon and she didn't say much about the father other than he
left her... poor girl, but it's not too important...

Steam gazed at Rust then at the
woman - Actually it is very important... - She was soon interrupted by him.

- Y-Yes, of course... Thank you
very much, miss... But we should get going now, right Vap...?

- Wait what? - Steam looked
angry at him, but as she noticed his sad numb look, she quickly felt like
something was wrong and sighed, pouting - Urgh. Fine... Oh, miss, hm... Just in
case, are there any more "Cartwright" families around here?

The lady shook her head - As
far as I know, this is the only one... Are you leaving then? - She asked
curiously and Steam nodded

- Yeah... We're still looking
for a baby, so...

- Alright... Well, have a good
night and don't get any trouble... - Evelyn said with an awkward smile and soon
closed the door.

Steam looked thoughtful, only
then noticing the Rust had left her side, walking away quietly with his head
hanging low as he kept his eyes stuck on the watch's trembling pointers. They
wouldn't guide him anywhere else. That had to be the house... But yet, he
didn't want it to be...

- Hey... - She poked his
shoulder as his heart froze for a second - We were getting some important
information, what's the deal with you?

- I think I know enough... - He
mumbled sadly - He left her and so she left me, and... I-I don't know.

- Huh? Wait, what are you talking
about?

- That woman said one of the
maids was getting a baby soon... A maid...! It can only be her... For the
father to have left her... I-I was most probably an unwanted accident and had
always been in the first place! - He just covered his head in frustration - Why
did I have to be so bloody curious...?

Steam gazed worried at him and
just placed her hand on his shoulder - You still don't know the father... I
know this sounds dumb but that man at the door did seem quite bothered when I
asked about children... Maybe he knows anything...There was something about him
that reminded me of you...

He looked at her, frustrated -
Vap, i-it's no time for jokes! I don't even look like them... They're pale and
blonde a-and I'm just... this... I just can't believe it...

- Oh... Well, but now that I
think of it... Assuming we have the right woman, if she works for them, how
come you have that watch?

He got silent for a while,
mumbling - I-I don't know...

She looked thoughtful - This
story is quite fishy in my opinion...

He kept looking sadly. Not
bothering to reply and she just approached him - Say... Aren't you even curious
to at least know what they look like? If you're careful, that spying plan could
come in handy...

- What would it help...? - He mumbled sadly and she
just held his arm gently.

- Just for you to see her at least, so you can have an
idea.

- And then I'll know what face to imagine when I cry
myself to sleep at night.

- Rust... Please just...

- What is it?

- You know exactly what it is!

- Hmph. I'll go check the back windows... - He said
neutrally and Steam just gazed surprised

- Wait, you actually want to do it?

- Hm... Yes...? I didn't come here for a visit to find
out about this and get to see nothing. - He said as he took hold of his watch
and taking a quick firm hold of her arm, he made her gasp as the Sun suddenly
appeared on the sky.

- W-What-?! It's so bright now! THAT SCARED ME, DON'T
DO THAT AGAIN!

- One week later... - he said as if narrating - I
apologize in the way.

- Ugh... This messed up with my head so badly! It was
night just a second ago! No wonder you always have headaches!

- It's actually because you don't stop talking. - He
said neutrally as if mocking her.

-  ...Haha
woah... - She approached him with a glare - Don't think I won't fight you!

- You'd lose and I wouldn't even have to try.

- Excuse me?!

- Windows.

- Huh?

- I will check the windows.

- Don’t change the topic like that! You do realize
this is a large house, right?

- Would you rather go knock and ask about babies
again? - He asked neutrally and Steam just pouted embarrassed as he said this.

- H-Hey, don’t you sass me! I’m here sacrificing my
precious time giving you moral support and this is how you repay me?!

- Just name your price then.

- Ugh… Well, I want… Gosh, I don’t know… But don’t
think I’ll forget about this! I’ll get back to you.

- Take your time. I’ll go check the back.

- Wait! There might be someone there!

- That should be the least of our problems. You’ve
done nothing wrong, if someone asks, act like you’re lost and you’re not from
this town, offer little to no explanation for why you are invading private
territory. If anything, a suspicious man gave you directions and you somehow
ended up there.

- I did not ask for your lying lessons.

- Well now you know what you would do! Don’t let me
down, Vap.

She blushed lightly and pouted – Don’t pressure me… Is
this the stuff you do on a daily basis? Doesn’t it scare you?

He
shrugged in reply – Not really. Never happened.

You’re
lying.

And you’re
asking too many questions. You know how I feel about that. – He said as he
started to quietly walk around the place so they wouldn’t be seen.