Chapter Text
“Hey ...Zooble? Could I ask you a favor?”
“I mean, yea? Hell you up this early for? We’re not leaving for ages.”
“I just…can I borrow something of yours?
-----
“I look dumb. So dumb” Zooble turned back around to Jasmine. Hands shoved deep in her hoodie pockets and scowling at her reflection. Or rather, the reflection of the skirt she was wearing.
“You look fine. You’ve worn a skirt before, how is this any different?”
“Zoob, out of all people I thought you would get it!” Jas tears her eyes away, nearly hissing mad.
“You wore them in the circus.”
“Yes! And I looked stupid doing it! But we were all stupid looking! And it was just us! This is like, hundreds of people!”
“Breath, Jas” Even if Jas was still kind of a shit, Ash got it and was happy to be the elder queer they needed to help get through all of this. They’d done it before.
“You really think- that in the entirety of a shopping mall, that someone is gonna stare at one girl wearing a skirt. News flash, you’re not that glamorous yet. Maybe one day”
“You…really think so?”
“Sure, yea. Look, the worst that happens is some dumbass says something and I knife em. It’ll be fine, It’ll be fun. We’ll get you a whole new wardrobe, We can look at all the weird dumb shit they sell in malls, the works. It’ll be a good time, I promise. Nothing bad is going to happen”
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BREAKING NEWS- SEVENTEEN MISSING PERSON CASES SOLVED IN ONE INCIDENT
A shocking call to 911 several weeks ago has now led to the reappearance of 17 individuals. Most of these disappearances happened over two decades ago. Only one of the disappearances was deceased, the rest found in good health. Additionally, two unknown individuals were found. More at seven
C&A WERE EXPEIRAMENTING ON PEOPLE!!!!!!
I’ve told all of you for years they were shady! Their top programmers disappear, then they basicly shut down?? But the building stayed up!!!!! And where did they find all of tese missing people??? THE C&A BUILDING! So of course this means- (read more)
Did this missing person case help solve the secret of immortality?
Cold Case Cooler- your number one spot for discussing mysterious crimes
SnapClickPrint: anyone else find it odd that there’s only one person who was found dead?
AliensIsTheAnswer: What im more confused about is the fact that there’s two people no one can identify. And a lot of them are supposedly really young. When will we get the scoop?
LincolnLooker: Usually the media jumps on this stuff. Think it’s another cover up?
MandelaEffect: has to be.
(Thread continues, view 99+ posts?)
-----
They ended up going in two separate cars. It wasn't like they could all cram into one even in regards to people, let alone loading up Caine’s wagon and whatever they would end up buying. And they planned on getting plenty- The past weeks had all been just running to the grocery store to buy essentials and basic things, some other things ordered online- and that was a godsend, how it was possible to have almost anything they wanted delivered the same day was a miracle to Amelia. But no one really had the time to go out and shop. So, they had all decided that a family trip to the mall was needed.
Ragatha had been to a mall…a few times. Her Mother had been so weird about everything. Even once she was on her own, living as free as she could, going against any of what she had been taught hurt like she had just been stuck with a pin. So, safe to say, this was altogether unfamiliar. But she could do this! She would just-
“Amelia! Catch!” She’s interrupted from her thoughts by Jasmine throwing her hoodie in her face.
“...Why are you doing this?”
“Because! You’re spacing out so bad you missed us parking and the others getting out, dumbass! Come on already, weren’t you the one who wanted to play stupid dress up with me and Zoobie?”
She was still an asshole. But a nice one, One that was helpful, if in the little shit-est way possible.
This had to be what having a sister that actually cared about her was like.
“....You’re…We’re gonna be fine. We all got dumb issues. This is just stores. Wanna see what weird new stores are around?” Hesitantly, Jax reaches out, to hold hands. Everyone else was waiting by the entrance. She takes her sister’s hand and they catch up.
She doesn't say anything when Jas tightens her hand around hers.
-----
In the six months she had disappeared, Things hadn't changed much in malls. With how everyone was dealing with so much change, Christine appreciated at least this stability. The plan was to split up then meet back in a few hours for lunch. Unofficially, this was a trip to get Jax birthday presents as well. They just needed to juggle who she was with to keep it under wraps.
“This is a lot of stores for one building Pom-Pom” Caine glanced upwards from where he was settled in his wagon.
“Well, think of it like this. Lots of smaller stores can fit here and it’s easier to walk through when it's all one building. Like storing blocks in a box. It’s also just kind of fun to walk around and hang out.” She looks back, smiling gently
“If at any point this is too much, we can step outside. I think the plan is for everyone to find what they’re looking for and we’ll play hot potato with you.”
“....I’m not a potato?”
“It’s a game. What I meant is we’ll pass you around so you don't get stuck with someone sitting in one shop for ages and ages. Lots of things to explore. If there’s something I don't see and you want to go into, just let me know. Now, ONWARDS!” She doesn't care how loud she’s being, only that Caine is giggling and having a good time.
-----
There’s a lot of people. And from where he’s sitting, they all look a LOT taller. Caine can see why everyone was kind of worried for him. It was nice and he really appreciated it- but he wasn't a baby.
Well, completely a baby. He knows he’s extremely… he hates to use the word naive, but he really was. And the Macroverse was kind of terrifying at times. He did his best to recreate it, but he always made it a little more- settled. Happy. Nothing upsetting unless there was supposed to be, like horror.
Stepping inside of a store dims some of the chaos and he’s pulled from his thoughts a bit- he thinks a lot now, he always has but it's about different things and it feels different too.
“Well, how do you feel about this place?” bright colors and shelves of toys! A toy store!! Caine grins and he easily recognized things that he had made giant, made as set pieces in the circus.
“That answers my question, see anything you like? We can go through the aisles” Pomni pulls his wagon carefully around corners. Some things are cool enough to catch his attention for a moment, but nothing really is…him. Nothing is interesting and nothing is-
“...Are those puzzle cubes? They look like it, but different. Lots more little sections” He leans over in fascination
"Didn't you know? There’s all sorts. I saw one once that has like 20 little bits. And some aren't even cubes. And there’s other little puzzles too- want some of them?”
They end up getting several different cubes and other little puzzles. The person at the cash register tries to say something about how challenging they might be, maybe too challenging but he doesn't care, their opinion doesn't matter.
“There’s people who do rubix cubes as fast as possible. Set records for them, people compete. Maybe you can work on getting there!”
“I will! I'll do it and solve all of them and I’ll be the fastest of them all!” He’s already trying to get into one of the boxes and he’s struggling to pry it open when something bright flashes in the corner of his eye. He turns around so fast the wagon nearly tips over. Caine can hear Pomni start panicking but he has eyes only for the bright yellow and black stripes.
“Christine! CHRISTINE!!!! Look! Look-look-look-look!!!! It’s my bee! We found it! My bee’s back!”
Pomni grins and they turn the wagon around. There’s only one of the bees, squished in with a bunch of other random plushes at the little stand.
Things all feel a lot better now that he has his bee back. He feels a little less unsteady. Things will be A-OKAY now that he’s been reunited with it!
-----
“Lacey! loOOOOOOK! Look what we found!” She turns around at the familiar voice and the familiar fat little bee in Caine’s arms. It’s like Christmas came early for him.
Wait, did he even know about Christmas? That would be fun. Chaos, but fun.
“Think you could take him for a little bit? I was going to go look at sneakers. And that’s boring, ain’t it?”
“Kinda, yea…”
“Then Lacey is here and I’m sure she’ll show you something interesting” Christine waves as she disappears into the crowds- She was still rather short even in the real world. Not as bad, she didn't need a stool to see over a counter.
“What are you doing Lacey?” right, excitable, curious child.
“Well, I’m looking at all of these tablets. I’ve always done things in a physical format, but I’m considering trying digital. None of these here seem quite right. I’ll probably have to go to a store specifically for art supplies or order it.” an idea pops up in her head
“Caine, you know how you get overwhelmed when things are noisy?” he nods and the high of his bee is starting to wear off- it’s an early weekend morning so everyone was getting their shopping in. “Well, there’s these special headphones- not just for listening to music but can help block out noise. Maybe-maybe they’ll even have a good color?”
Caine hesitantly nods, running a hand over his bee’s wing nervously “...It won't make things…completely quiet, right?”
“Not unless you want it to. Which might be helpful if things are really bad. And maybe we can convince Grant to get you a little music player too. I dont wanna get in trouble with him” She carefully pulls the wagon around people and tables of phones and computers- She’s terrified she’ll break something. She doesn't have to worry about it but the point stands.
“Dad won't be angry. He’s never angry at us, he just worries. He’s only ever angry at people who hurt us.”
“I know, but I still want to have his ok for this. Let’s see if these even work, okay?”
There’s a wall of various headphones, earbuds and other tech related accessories. “So, they have a few here that might work. Try it on to make sure it's what works for you?” Lacey pulls one of the sample head sets down. Tentatively, Caine settles it over his ears and something settles in him almost instantly; he looks around with a quiet sort of awe, sliding them off for a moment and almost jumping at the sheer difference.
“There should be a little button on the side, so you can have more or less sound come in. Do you like them?”
“Mmhmm. Can we get the red ones?”
“Absolutely. If we find the right kind, we could even put stickers on them. You have to take care of them, alright?” Caine nods. They pinky promise on it.
“Do you have fun headphones for yourself, Gangle?” She nods, holding up a box. She couldn't resist the ones with the little kitty ears.
“They have those?! Wait, wait! Do they have bunny ones? Jas would LOVE IT!”
Lacey had been struggling on coming up with a birthday present for the rabbit. And she kept saying how awkward she felt without her ears- they were all a little off kilter. She kept thinking every time she tripped or stumbled her comedy mask was about to be broken. That she no longer was the width of a ribbon and could fit in the tiniest of spaces (There were three champions of hide and seek in the circus- Jax, with her sheer trickery; Caine with his knowledge of the circus and herself, with how small of spaces she could fit in.)
Well, she would either make Jasmine cry or she would be put in a headlock. Maybe both. Probably both.
It was worth it.
-----
Jasmine was completely out of her Depth. She usually was, but this was…a lot? A lot a lot?? Amelia and Zooble had been gently dragging her from store to store. She felt like a little kid and wasn't really sure what to do but they were both being…patient, with her.
Zooble had said the word was dysphoria. And it was really rearing its head right now despite how she had been…excited?
“Oh! Jasmine, this one is almost the same color as your old overalls! What do you think?” Amelia holds up a dress that really did look like the same. It’s...flowy and girly and they’ve already bought a bunch of them and it’s starting to feel. Too much. Amelia was good (despite how she really shouldn't be, not to her of all people) and it was super nice that she was helping but it was just.Too much. Like when she had first awoken in the circus and went from the darkness of the abandoned building she had decided to hunker down in and then all of a sudden was assaulted by the primary color nightmare that was the circus.
“Hey. There’s a place I used to go to nearby. Seems like your sort of thing. Dumb t shirts and hoodie and shorts. Everyone needs those things. You don't suddenly have to look like you’re out of a princess storybook just because you’re a girl now.”
Zooble was pretty cool when they weren't being constantly antagonized.
“Oh! I’m gonna get a few things for myself. You guys go on ahead, I’ll meet back up with you guys!”
The crowds crush in on them. Not really, but it feels like it.
“....You’re pretty. You know. Great. For the skirt thing. And this. And just like, in general?” Ash’s expression softens and She had thought for the longest time that it was JUST a Gangle expression.
“It’s no problem Jas. Come on, I feel like some of these will be your thing. Sides, isn't part of a mall trip just messing around and looking at shit?”
-----
Turns out, Jasmine’s brand of humor is perfectly encapsulated by how she’s wheezing over a plain black t shirt with just ‘TODAY SATAN’ on it.
“Amelia’s going to be disappointed in you.”
“I’ll wear it with one of the skirts that she approves of! Then it’ll be cancel out. PEMDAS type of shit.”
“That's ...not how it works but I guess, sure, Whatever makes you happy.”
“Wait, do they have hoodies with it too?”
They may have to adjust the timing of plan distract Jax and get her a new wardrobe
-----
“JAS!!!!! LOOK WHAT WE FOUND!” Just barely at eye level, Jasmine can see a bee plushie being held aloft like it was the Stanley cup or something. Lacey tiredly smiled as the Caine-mobile settled to a stop.
“Damn, don't think anything is gonna top that today.”
“Hey. Zooble and I were gonna go put some stuff in the car then look around ourselves for a bit.” ugh. Lovey dovey stuff.
“Well kid, How you feel about a little adventure with me now?” Caine grins at her like she’s hung the moon and the stars and Fuck, It’s too much for her nihilistic tired ass to handle.
“Gonna be honest here Caine, I’m needing a break myself. Might be a boring adventure”
“But it’s an adventure and it’s an adventure with you so that makes it good!” Crap, too much emotions, too much emotion she can NOT handle this right now.
“There’s a little cafe in that bookstore. Go get coffee or something, take a minute.” Gangle to the rescue thank FUCK.
“Can I get a coffee?”
“ABSOLUTELY NOT” its almost impressive how almost in unison they are.
None of them need a caffeinated Caine. Or a Kinger giving them that stupid ‘I’m not mad I’m just disappointed’ face that all dads make.
Nope, nope not now, she was already on edge, Stop thinking about that, that's too much in one morning.
“Look, kid. I’m sure there’s like. Hot chocolate and stuff. That cool with you?”
“That’s good too! Can we get books as well? Or at least look?”
“...yes, Caine. Yes we can.”
-----
Entering the bookstore, they made a beeline to the little cafe.
“They certainly have more flavors than last time. The hell is a nitro cold brew?” Whatever, sounded good enough. Coffee was coffee. And she could add a stupid amount of chocolate. Not wanting to face Kinger’s disappointment but also satisfying the stupid big ol puppy eyes, She got a hot chocolate for Caine.
“You really swear a lot. You’re setting a bad example for me” Caine offers a shit eating grin
“Shut up, I’m the picture of innocence!”
“No you aren’t!”
“Yes I am you little shit” Caine laughs and maybe she wasn't…too bad at all of this.
“Hey Jas? What’s your favorite book? The library says I’ve read most of the books on bugs they have and I wanna try more.”
“Uhhhhh…I never was really into...non fiction. That’s the stuff you like, right?”
“Fiction is just an adventure in a book. I want to get inspired. And if I do something based off of everyone’s favorite books, maybe I could one day make something really perfect for everyone. If..if I ever find a way.”
“Careful with the moping there, don't get hot chocolate on your bee. And...I mean. Ribbons can draw. Maybe you could do that? Or write.” Tentatively, Jasmine steers towards the classics section, face red. She wouldn't be caught dead here before and there was still the lingering embarrassment
But things had changed. A lot of things had changed, including herself.
“...wait, I'm dumb. Coding. You could make a video game. I’m sure Ol’Kinger’ll teach you.”
Now, where was it? The version with the illustrations would be best.
“...You…really think I could? You think people would…like them? No one ever liked them before.”
“Because we had our heads up our asses and gave no advice. I would get upset too. You’re…The two of us are more alike than I care to admit. Enough feelings, I found it”
It was a nicer one then she had once had- the edges of the pages were that fancy gilded shit and it was a hardback instead of the falling apart paper back she had stolen from the school library and kept hidden under her bed.
“Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. There’s a Disney movie about it. Lots of stuff, it’s an old book. Lots of remakes of it into other stories…It’ll be right up your alley. It’s weird and doesn't make a lot of sense but it’s…I dunno, Fanciful is a good word for it?” Caine flips through, staring intently at the illustrations. They had always creeped her out a little bit but the kid would appreciate them.
“...It’ll be hard. I think, to figure out how to make your adventures from the other side of the screen.” She sits down next to the wagon, running a hand over familiar titles she had wanted to read, ones she read in secret. They didn't fit with what people wanted her to be.
Those people could go screw themselves. She could…Try it again. Maybe get one or two from the library. The shelf in her room was looking pretty bare.
“...What if I have a really good idea and I forget it?”
“That’s what writing things down is for, dummy. Wait, oh shit did you ever learn that?”
“Yes, Jasmine, I did. I’m not a complete baby.”
“Well, from up here it certainly looks like it with how little you are!”
“You’re literally sitting on the ground. You’re as short as me right now”
“Shut up!”
They end up getting one of those stupid, overpriced but fancy looking notebooks. The kind that look like they’re out of some fantasy game. And some extra pencils- The kid was thinking so hard he could power a steamboat.
“Ok, I need some time to myself to like. Deal with all this mushy stuff. Gonna go find the old man and pass you off, got it?
“Yep! “
-----
The day had been going great so far, despite the crowds. Caine's excitement and interest was overpowering any stress- the return of his bee and the headphones were helping leagues more then he ever thought it could and Grant had hope, had hope that he was doing okay at this parenting thing, that Caine wouldn't forever be a nervous wreck (because of him, because he was an idiot, because he never caught the evidence even when it was right in his fucking face, because he left his baby boy hurting and alone for years like that. )
A store covered entirely in bright yellow catches his eye and he has a feeling he found something perfect for Caine.
"Hey have you heard about Legos yet?" Caine shakes his head and Grant can barely contain his excitement. He had been obsessed with Legos as a kid himself and he's certain Caine will like them too.
What he wasn't expecting was how different, how absolutely incredible it was. They stood in front of the shop in awe before he practically ran inside, the wagon squeaking behind him .
-----
They...may have gone a bit overboard. The money wasn't an issue. But Grant now realized they have six rather large bags.
"Caine.....let's...avoid telling your mama about this?"
"But you even got sets for her, why would she be upset?"
"No, she wouldn't be upset. Just-"
"In awe of how absurd you are?" Imani, smirking and her arms crossed.
"Honey, if-look how much they've changed! They have light up parts and some that can even be motorized for making gadgets! And they have so many new brick types and, uh-" his slight panic is interrupted by Imani laughing, glancing inside the bags.
"If I had known there was a lego store, I would have brought another wagon. Take those to the car, you'll bury Caine. Wouldn't it be an awful death, drowning in legos?" Caine relaxes, oh shit that had actually stressed him out he needs to be more careful, and grins.
"Hey there bumble bee. I saw a fancy snack store not too far away. How about we get some things for your siblings?"
"Can I get some snacks too?"
"Of course. They have a lot of options for fancy chocolates. We could fill a box up with different kinds for you to try if you want. I know I plan on doing the same"
"Do you think the others will let me try some of theirs?"
"If you ask nicely. But I'm sure they will, bumble bee" Caine practically glows with happiness and Grant falls even more in love with Imani, with his son and at the fact they've been given a chance like this.
"Could you see if they have those...oh gosh, what were they...the chips we got from my pen pal after they started studying in Britain! I forget which flavor was best but they were good"
"Obviously, dear." Imani turns, Caine waving as they roll through the crowd and Kinger has never been happier in his life.
Ah. Right. He has all these fucking Legos to get to the car.
-----
Imani might just be a hypocrite, considering how many different snacks and sweets they ended up getting. But there were less bags, simply by the size of items. They were taking a moment in an out of the way corner- They had ended up getting ice creams that looked almost perfectly like the fruits they were flavored after.
“After we finish these, I’m going to go find Amelia to hand you off to, is that alright?”
Caine nods, playing with the wings of his bee.
“There’s….something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about. But everything was so busy and you were meeting everyone and I…I didn't want to bother you.” her heart stutters for a moment, because she knows, knows that her child was hurt in ways no human could imagine.
“Bumble bee, I never would be bothered. What’s got your mind going so fast?” Caine tears up and she pulls him closer.
“I…I hurt you. I hurt you and I left you down there. I didn't know what else to do…I- I talked to you a lot. To everyone. But you the most. I just…didin’t know what to do. I’m…I’m sorry. I should have worked harder to keep you there. Dad went…Dad lost it, kind of. He couldn't think straight and he missed you so,so much even if he couldn't quite remember you and that was all my fault! I should have done more.” she takes a deep breath- She couldn't get mad. She couldn't get upset or angry. She could do that later, when Caine couldn't see it. He would think it’s his fault if she did.
“It’s all fuzzy, but I think I remember. At least some of it. I just knew I couldn't reach you and wanted to help you. I heard you and I knew you were hurting and I couldn't do anything to help.You worked so, so hard and very few people appreciated it. It was never your fault. I was there, Bumble Bee. I was there.” He curls up even tighter, making himself smaller- like he wouldn't be noticed, like if he was hiding he would be safe- even though he craved attention like a plant with sunlight. Like he was trying to protect his vitals- why would he know or even need to do that? Wait, no. Grant said they had coded in BLOOD for their little one. Fuck.
Imani wasn't one to speak ill of the dead and she NEVER would do it but the mental image of smashing Scratch’s grave marker goes through her mind and she didn't feel completely bad about it.
“Never. Never did I blame you. Not once. I was confused and a little overwhelmed, but I never was angry at you. One of the clearest memories I have was of your father coming home, hours after he should have left work. He was exhausted but he was so, so excited. Do you know why?”
Caine shakes his head and Imani smiles
“You made something all by yourself. You asked for more information regarding bees and you made a bee. Out of nothing- It buzzed around on the screen and Grant was so happy he was crying. I wish I was there, despite how late it had been. One of your very first creations, all you.” She doesn't mention how Scratch had really started getting interested after that. How he started working more and more with Caine. How Scratch stayed late at the office, stayed long enough that the morning shift would be coming in and he was still hunched over his keyboard.
They may not have all the answers, but it had to have begun around that time.
“...I kind of remember. But it’s…hard. I don't really like thinking back that far. Despite…Despite how much fun I had with Dad. And you. You didn't have to be there. Your job was pretty much done.But you were and I…I was so happy to have someone else nice at the time. I wanted to-to make you proud. Make everyone proud and happy.”
She might actually go and smash Scratch’s grave at this rate.
Deep breathes, Imani. Deep breathes.
“From the moment you woke up I was. I just wish we had seen the signs before everything got bad for you. Let’s not think about that right now. We’re having a good day out, aren’t we?”
“Yes! There’s a lot of people but I’m not scared! And we found my bee again!” he raises the toy in the air “and, it’s a big secret but we’re getting Jasmine presents too. She’ll be sooooo mad but happy at the same time. And Pom-Pom got me new cubes! They have so many bits, I didn't know they COULD be like this! This one has all sorts of different textures and this one is a pyramid-and-and this one is four by four- She said I could get more later, and that there’s lots of other little puzzle toys I could get. That there’s even people who do it for world records by how fast they can do it and I wanna try that one day!” It’s not a perfect distraction. It never would be, Caine was too intelligent and too hurt to be completely free of it- wouldn't be for years.
A learning Ai would learn from what they observed and were taught. Queenie could only hope that they could overcome two decades of neglect and hatred.
“Come on, Finish up your treat. It’s starting to melt. I’m not quite sure what your sister is up to, but we’re working very hard on keeping Jasmine distracted while we get her presents. Remember, top secret!”
“Top secret!”
-----
“Caine, there’s something I thought you might like to see. Even if they don't have anything you like, I’m pretty sure you’ll think it’s cool”
“I’ve seen most of the stores I think. What did I miss?” Amelia smiles
“It’s this place where you can choose a stuffed animal and help make it. There’s a little machine to help you fill it with fluff. Then you can choose little outfits and things for them. I doubt there’s any bugs for you, but maybe it’ll inspire you?”
No bugs, just as she thought. But plenty of cats, dogs, bears and rabbits.
“Amelia…I have an idea. I still haven't gotten Jas her top secret present. Do you think she would like it if I got her a bunny?”
“Caine, that’s a brilliant idea!” He wiggles, trying to get out of the wagon while it’s still moving. Amelia takes a moment to check her watch- This was probably the last store before they met up with the others.
“Amelia? I dunno which to get. Do you think Jas would like a dress or overalls on her bunny better? I know she’s trying to feel more herself but also, she gets the same way I am- When things are too much. But she gets that way even when she’s super happy and doing things she likes. It happened while we were at the book store. I tried my best to help But I’m not sure how well I did. But the overalls might be too familiar and she…I dunno” Caine is leaning on his…well, cane; looking intently as he contemplated something this simple.
Perfectionist at his core. She got it. They were all working on it. The circus just amplified everything.
“You know, we could get both and then she can choose. We don't have a lot of time left before we meet up for lunch. I know Zooble is finished and hanging out. I’ll hide this in the car and you can hang out with them, sound good?
“Yea. Amelia? I know I don't say it and I wasn’t…good. But I really appreciate you and everyone. I’m doing my best-est and it’s really hard.” She picks him up and settles Caine back in his wagon
“You’re doing amazing Caine, you really are. You’ve grown so much. I think I have too. It’s…Okay to be upset and scared. I wasn't very good before…you know. I just wanted to keep everyone together. Same as you.”
“You’re a great big sister. Your…The people before Mama and Dad didn't appreciate you. They missed out.” She’s glad she’s facing forward because she’s tearing up.
They do the swap off, Like Caine was the baton in a relay race. He did use to carry a baton, used more for gesturing but she’s sure he used it as a cane at some point, in the rare times he walked instead of floating.
-----
“FFFFFF-” The stupid claw settles back into place and the machine plays the LOSER chime once again.
“Zooble, you kinda suck at this.” They sigh and turn, crouching down to muss up Caine’s hair
“These things are usually pretty rigged. Sure, you could win here and there. But usually it’s just meant to try and drain you of cash.”
“That’s mean. I would never do that in my carnival”
“Yea I know. I won like, twenty times in a row. You’re a little too indulgent kid.”
“Butttttt Lacey liked them” Ash flushes, turning away.
“Can I give it a try?”
“Okay, but don't get upset when you lose, got it?” Caine carefully maneuvers the claw, watching with a keen eye as it loses its grip on some new pokemon toy- they hadn't kept up with it since they were a kid.
“One more time? Please? I think I’ve got it figured out. I may not be able to think as fast, but I still know what I’m doing!” Caine could be wrong and it would make him sad, but it was just a dollar. Even before they got their big check from C&A, they would have done it anyway.
Ash blinks as the claw drops the weird little pokemon critter into the chute, Caine cheering.
“Well shit kid. You did it. You want it?”
“Nope! I wanted to win it for you!”
“Fuck kid, you’re so sweet I’m going to get a cavity one of these days- just a saying, dont worry. My teeth are fine. I see your Dad, the others shouldn't be much longer.”
-----
“What’s all that yelling about? Is there a fight going on or something” Christine tried to look over the crowd of people
“...If there is, would I get in trouble for joining in?”
“Yes, Jas.”
“.....Betting?”
“Jasmine, please just...don't get involved” Grant sighed. “ Whatever’s going on, it sure is a big fuss. And of course it’s right where we need to go. We’ll just wait here for all of this to clear up. Hopefully not too long”
The yelling got louder, echoing off of the walls. People were being pushed out of the way. Carefully,Christine moves to stand on the bench.
“...is it just me or…Are they all getting closer?”
“No, no- you’re right. We should just. Get out of the way. Last thing we need is to get caught up in that. Come on, get your stuff everyone, we’ll-” “THERE THEY ARE!”
In the ten seconds they had taken to start collecting their bags, they were assaulted by bright light, camera flashes, people shoving microphones in their faces and all talking at once.
The media was here.