Log:Kysmette and Hobbes

2015/03/14 Chen Paragon Porter 1

Mega Mall

Mega Mall consists of three stories of shops with a gigantic International Food Court in the center, along with a wide variety of other services required by shoppers as they traverse through the large zigzagging corridors. Overhead, large bulletproof lexan skylights let in the natural light of daytime, while full spectrum bulbs are attached around the ceilings to provide light on those sunless days. The floor is made of a special plasti-rubber material that reduces customer fatigue with walking around the shopping mecca. At the end of each corridor, a Mall Directory has been provided to help customers navigate through the mall easily. Stairs, escalators and a glass bubble elevator transport people to the three different levels. Benches are scattered about for tired shoppers to rest on, and in the very center of the food court, is an artificial waterfall and pond. Even in this day and age, people still throw coins into the fountain. On the far end of the Food Court is an entertainment area with a raised stage.

It's Porter's lucky day. One of them anyway. The morning post brought a voucher for $200 from the Top Gents clothing store in the Mall, the first prize in a lottery that Porter was automatically entered in after an earlier purchase from the store. The voucher is valid for just today though. So will the day see Porter out at the store?

Lotteries, lotteries, and more lotteries? Now, just because isn't much compared to a billion or twelve doesn't mean it's worthless. And someone may or may not have suggested they go out as a family more, since POrter may or may not have been a bit more separate than not following recent events. So, shopping out? That means Mall. And Mall means fun! Right?

Top Gent has a new range of leathette jackets just in. Italian cut, looking very smart indeed. Just the kind of attire that would suit Porter down to the ground. If he thinks that himself he's got to try one on. Which means removing the baby carrier and handing Kysmette over to Third.

Third has begun to notice the Porter's more distant behavior. At first, it was just chalked up to the normal socialilizing. But she's slowly beginning to develop theories. Theories she's kept to herself so far.

Of course Porter's luck is not all good. Coming out of the changing room, the hook on the interior of the door catches the collar of the jacket and as Porter steps out the jacket is pulled backwards, slipping off Porter's shoulders and trapping his arms. Porter's stuck. Sure he could pull loose but over by ripping the jacket. Looks like he needs some help untangling himself.

Porter stops at the storefront of Top Gent. It's one of the places in the mall he's never been into.. Not for himself anyway. He looks at stuff in the window, then heads in with the Pink Princess on chest and Third in hand. Well, at least until he decides to go and try something on. Then he steps out. "So, Sweetie, what do you th-URK!" Porter hanging with his toes trying to dance on the floor and his arms flailing? This is actually not really a new thing.

Third smiles as Porter steps out. "The jacket looks good on...you?" She grins a little more as Porter flails adorably. "Hang on, Sweetie." She kisses Kysmette on the top of her head and takes off the carrier, then gently sets Kysmette and carrier ont het able after she pops out the carrier's concealed legs to turn it into a baby seat. Once Kysmette is safe and sound, she turns to Porter and steps up to him, smiling affectionately as she slips one arm around his waist and lifts him up an inch or two so he doesn't have to toe-dance. "I've got you," she says warmly as she helps him get disentangled from the jacket. "It really does look good on you. Very...heroic." She's not being sarcastic about it. Although given the situation, one might expect her to be.

It's just for a few seconds that Third is looking away from the table as she helps Porter, and Porter's vision is blocked by Third. And in those few seconds there's a sound of expensive watches and designer sunglasses clattering all over the floor and the crack of the display window shattering into a thousand fragments of glass, followed immediately by the thump of a man's body hitting the Mall concourse floor after going through the window.

And yes, it's the mall, and it's a Sautrday. This means... a teenager with several months of allowance that she didn't spend because she was all angry and depressed about having her powers gone... so she sulked. Sure, shopping may have made her feel better, but she was in a sulky mood. Now, powers are back and she's at the mall. Money trying to burn a hole in her... checking account. Duh, she doesn't use cash anymore after all.

She was needing a good jacket. I mean she doesn't really -need- one, but she wants to at least look like the temerature extremes actually affect her. Plus, a nice jacket looks awesome with the right outfit. So she stands out front... looking at the displays for the moment. The clatter and thump making her lean a bit to her left to peek in through the door with raised brows. "Huh? Wassat?" she asks mostly of herself.

Kysmette probably likes her new perch. More things to look at. Like daddy dancing funny. Or mommy hugging him. Kysmette likes hugs. Meanwhile, daddy's cheeks redden at Third's compliemnt. Or that he was trapped hanging. Or that Third's got her arms wraped around him. Maybe all of the above. "Really, you think-What was that?! Kyssie?!" It's obviously not full sentence day.

And then.. windows crash. It's a good thing she was leaning to the left, because it's the window she was just before. And the guy's body bumps Gail's a bit on the way through. "Hey!" she calls out as she stumbles a bit backwards. "Windows are expensive! What gives?!"

Store assistants are rushing to the area of the display window, seeing the ruins of the window display and the broken glass. "What happened?" is asked, the store manager looking at the nearest customers in the store rather accusingly.

Third had one of Porter's arms free when the crash happened. She whips her head around and drops Porter down by letting go. It's only two inches. And, priorities! She quickly moves to try and protect Kysmette from any further devastation, and to check her for any injuries.

A small boy, told to sit and be quiet as his mother shopped for clothes for father pipes up. "The tiger pushed him." he says, pointing at the stuffed Hobbs toy laying limply beside Kysmette's carriage.

Porter is helped to the floor by his old "friend" gravity. But it IS only a couple inches. And in this context, that's a plus for Porter for a change. "What's going -Oh." When the little boy pipes up to explain, that seems to make everything make sense. Then again, it's Porter. Still he steps up beside Third to check on her and Kyssie before wondering, "Who was that guy?" He also looks down at Hobbs, brow quirking. "I'm sure Hobss woudn't've pushed anybody without a good reason.

"Garreth," the boy's mother scolds him, "this isn't the time for one of your silly fanciful stories."

"The tiger did, Mum," young Garreth protests, "The man tried to grab the baby out of the seat and the tiger pushed him."

Out in the concourse, Gail scrambles over to where the man hit the floor, "Are you okay? What happened?" she asks. "Why did you fly through the window? Are you injured?"

Third blinks and looks around at Garreth and the man. When the boy explains what the man did, it earns the man a very, very cross look from Third. If the man weren't already beaten and slumped, he might very well be in imminent danger.

Outside the store Gail finds the man is out cold. He came through the window with a fair amount of force. There's no obvious injuries though. Lucky for him the store had safety glass or he with have been badly cut.

The store manager turns to the young boy, "If you saw what happened tell the truth. Who's resposible for all the damage?"

Garreth repeats, "The tiger pushed the man."

Outside, Gail can see Mall Security hurrying to the scene.

Porter's head snaps around when the boy explains more. And he gets a frown as he also eyes to fallen, flung, flying man. Then he picks up Hobbs. Fluffs the fur on his head some. "Good Hobbs." Of course, as soon as Kysmette spots her best friend/snuggle buddy/chew toy, grabby hands come out. So Porter hands her her buddy. Then there's the manager and Porter waves a now empty hand. "Sorry about that. It's probably my fault. Weird stuff happens around me. I'll cover the damages and stuff." Admittedly, there's no sigh this time.

As Gail examines the unconscious man for injures she sees the left sleeve of his jacket has been pushed up his arm, exposong the inside of his wrist. And that has exposed a tattoo of a ram's horned skull inside a circle.

With Kysmette safe with her stuffed Hobbes, Third looks to Porter once, then turns back a glare at the fallen man and starts to walk over, her hands balling up into fists.

Oh, he's unconscious. Hrm. Gail whips out her phone which is never far from her hand. She dials 911 as she crouches beside the man. "Is there a doctor in the mall?!" she yells as the phone rings once, twice, and then picks up. "Yes, this is Gail Windstrom. I'm at the Megamall, outside.." she looks up and says, "Top Gents. There's a man who just flew through a window." She pauses and shrugs before saying, "No, I don't think he FLEW through the window on purpose. He's unconscious. I need an ambulance!" She pauses and nods, "Okay. You have my GPS ping. So please help him out." She looks down, notices the tattoo... gets some bad juju feeling from it and adds, "You might send an officer or two as well. No idea -why- he went through a window but it might be ... bad."

The store manager is busy asking Porter for his details so the store can bill him for the damage. Poor Garreth is getting a telling off for making up stories. And Mall Security have arrived breathlessly and one is asking Gail if she saw what happened.

With everyone's attention diverted, when Garreth looks at Hobbs while protesting he is telling the truth, Hoobs winks at the young boy and then lifts a paw to put a tiger claw to lips in the classic please be quiet and don't say anything gesture.

Third hears Porter's voice inside her head: << Do you have any idea what spooked Chen? >>

The 911 call center person assures Gail that an ambulance and police are on the way.

"Honestly, I'm not sure." says Gail to the guard with her phone to her ear. She says to the phone, "Understood. I'll stay put." then she hangs up and says to the guard. "I was just peeking inside cuz I heard something that sounded odd. Then the window kinda blew up and he bumped into me." she shrugs. "He's unconscious, but... be careful. Something about that tat there gives me the freaky freakies."

Telepathic message to Porter from Third: << "The boy said the man tried to grab Kysmette. If he tried to take her or harm her..." Wow, there's...anger. Real anger from Para. Directed at the would-be kidnapper. >>

Porter is apologetic, as always, as he gives the store manager the info he asks. And apologizes more. While staying near Kysmette, Hobbs or no Hobbs. Just in case. It's not until he's done with that that he looks over to Third, Gail, and the mystery man. "Everything Ok over there?" Now some frown.

Third is white as a sheet as she approaches the fallen man with clenched fists. Well, she's always that color. What she isn't usually is mad, and she glares at the man with narrowed eyes. "That man tried to grab my child," she intones darkly as she eyes the man. If he only got away with a few broken bones from Hobbes, he'd be lucky.

Third hears Porter's voice inside her head: << "Then Chen did exactly what she should've done." He tries to sound reassuring, but there's also worry there. "And I should've kept a better eye on what was going on." >>

Telepathic message to Porter from Third: << She did. And not your fault, Sweetie. That someone would try to grab her out in the open, right behind our backs. He has some nerve, trying to take a helpless baby. >>

The mall security guard looks at the tattoo. "Weird. Think he's a retro metal metal fan or something? Never seen any tattoo like it." The security guard frowns when Third speaks, "He did? We'll hold him for the police. What happened in there? Someone punch him through the window. If so," he looks down at the unconscious man in anger, "I'd be pleased to shake his hand."

"Well, it looks like he's been kinda partially punished already. He ain't even awake." says Gail. She shrugs as she stands up. She backs a step or two away from the guy, "Hey, I'd um, avoid being nearby. Like I said... something about him gives me a bad feeling. And if we ever learned anything from Star Wars.. when you have a bad feeling about this, it's like.. Darth Vader's about to show up."

The store manager finishes with Porter and steps outside through the window to speak to the mall security guards. When the guards tell him what Third told them he turns to Third, "He tried to take your child?" he asks Third.

Porter shrugs out of the jacket and picks up Kyssie and carrier to strap them back to his chest. Only then does he follow Third out to take a look at the alleged baby-grabby, tiger-punched guy. "So nobody recognizes him or anything? Why would he try something like that?"

Third looks to the Mall guard and store manager. "The young boy in there saw him try to grab out child behind our back. Perhaps he got scared he was about to get caught and tried to flee in a panic," she suggests. She hates lying. But Chen has told her about blowing her cover.

Third hears Porter's voice inside her head: << Have you seen this guy before? Or know anything about him? Guess it could just be a random babynap, but.. >>

The store manager doesn't believe that for an instant. But he's heard about hysterical strength, of mothers who have lifted cars off their children. He looks at Third, back at the window, back to Third. "Yes, I guess that's probably what happened." he says... and deletes the information he just took down of Porter's details.

After getting the 'shut up' signal from Hobbs, Garreth stops saying the tiger pushed the man.

Telepathic message to Porter from Third: << That...that tattoo. He's a DEMON cultist. What would they want with Kysmette? >>

Shrugging, Gail shakes her head, "I only saw what happened -after- the whole... window smash thing happened." she remarks, "But I already called 911, and emergency personnel are on the way." she says.

Third hears Porter's voice inside her head: << What? DEMON? But why? Unless they're after me for something? Helping Gabrielle, maybe? Or The Book? I think they're all about magic, right? >>

A middle aged man pushes through the crowd that's formed around the area. "I'm a doctor. Did I hear someone call for a doctor?" he says, then spots the man on the ground.

Telepathic message to Porter from Third: << They're satan worshippers. Human sacrifice. Stealing magical items. Summoning demons. I've dealt with them in Boston. They are...depraved. >>

Third crouches down and checks the man's pulse. When her eyes fall to the tattoo, she suddenly drops his wrist. "A DEMON agent? Here?" she says in surprise. Being a normal kidnapper was bad enough. But someone from that notorious group? Knowing what they do to their victims, Third's anger builds more. She's not even concealing it anymore. Third grabs the man by the collar of his shirt, but doesn't jostle him. Yet. She's still holding back at least. "Wake. Up," she demands.

"I did." says Gail, sheepishly a bit. "He came -through- the window and bumped into me before hitting the floor and not getting up. I dunn... Demon?" she asks as she looks towards Third. "Well, he still needs medical treatment, yes?" she asks, gesturing to people. But she's just a kid and everyone else is so much more capable of being in charge here.

"No. Don't move him!" the doctor tells Third, rather belatedly. "Me may have concuussion if he hit his head. There's no telling what additional damage you can cause him."

Porter frowns at that. Then blinks when Third picks the guy up. He puts a hand on her shoulder. "Sweetie. He didn't hurt anybody. Kyssie's fine. I'm sure the doc can help him wake up?"

Third releases the man's collar, having not moved him yet, but only after Porter puts a hand on her shoulder. "He didn't hurt anyone here. But if he's with DEMON, there's a chance he's hurt others."

Telepathic message to Porter from Third: << They may be after you. Using Kysmette to get to you. Or use against you. Or...who knows what else. Maybe the book. Revenge is a chance. >>

"It could be just a tattoo." suggests Gail sheepishly. She doesn't know these things really. But.. she just kinda hangs back ... not with the growing crowd of onlookers, so much as by the security guards. She wants to give her report of course.

The doctor gets to work after Third lets go. He checks pulse, then peels back eyelids and shines a small torch onto the man's eyes. "Same size pupils. Contractions are prompt and strong." Then he feels the back of the man's head, feeling to lump forming there. "He's very lucky. No sign of a concussion. Needs a scan to be sure though. "Should I try to return him to consciousness?" he asks the mall security guards, as they are the only ones in uniform.

Third hears Porter's voice inside her head: << Well, if he is, then he's caught. The cops or SG or whoever can figure it out? >>

Telepathic message to Porter from Third: << You're...right, Sweetie. >>

Telepathic message to Porter from Third: << "I need to calm down." She's definitely worked up over this. Maybe even overcompensating due to her fears of letting her family down in the future. >>

Third stands up and steps back beside Porter and Kysmette as the doctor does his work.

One of the mall guards tells the doctor, "There's an ambulance on its way." The guard looks to Gail for confirmation. "You're the doctor, doctor. It's outside my expertise whether to try and wake him up or not."

Nodding, Gail says, "I did call 911. No idea how long they'll take." She has a mental image of lightning on her hands, yelling CLEAR!... but she just shrugs and gestures to the guy. "Aside from that, I'm just a witness... of a sort."

The police are the first to arrivel from the 911 call. Two officers coming through the crowd. "Alright, what happened here?" one says. That questions been asked a lot in the last few minutes.

Porter is used to people asking that alot. Though usually they just look at him and ask. Or assume.

Third looks over to the officer. "This man crashed through the window trying to escape after trying to grab our child," she explains.

Sighing, Gail turns to the arriving police, "Hi, I'm the one who called." she remarks, pulling out her ID. She holds it to them as she says, "Man came flying out through that window." she gestures at it, and shrugs. "I didn't see anything before the window crash. But he bumped into me and hit the floor, out like a light."

Garreth pipes up again as he and his mother are now at the break in the store window. "He tried to take a baby. I saw it."

The officer nods his thanks for her report to Gail. "Did anyone else see what happened in the store?" he asks the people near and still in the store."

"Oh! and someone mentioned something him being a demon, or working for a group named Demon or some such." says Gail. She's not exactly an expert.

"DEMON?" the officer who's speaking asks. The other kneels by the man and ignores the doctor's protests enough to put cuffs in the man.

Third nods softly as she points to the man's tattoo. "That Tattoo is the symbol for a DEMON agent. My boyfriend has dealt with them in the past. He's a hero," she explains as she wraps an arm around Porter.

"I saw it," Garreth repeats, "He tried to take that baby," Garreth points at Kysmette. "The tiger pus..." Garreth stops, then starts again. This kid is obviously quick witted and a natural story-teller. "The tiger was on the ground and he tripped on it and fell through the window." After speaking Garreth winks at Hobbs.

The officer Garreth is telling his story to glances at the stuffed Hobbs held tightly by Kysmette and finds the tale believable. "We'll need a statement from you. Can your mother bring you to the station tomorrow?" the officer asks Garreth but is looking at the boy's mother. Then he looks at Third and Porter, "If you could come to the station tomorrow as well?" The other officer is on his radio calling for backup from the Meta squad.

"Yes, we could do that for you, officer," Third agrees. She still keeps a wary eye on the man as she stares protectively close to Porter and Kysmette. She looks to the little boy and smiles. "Thank you for helping out by speaking up, young man."

And, Gail is just there. She's given her statement, but she's a kid, a minor, and just kinda hangs out nearby. Sure... she stands out in a crowd, but only because of that whole... pretty jailbait look she has going on. It's not exactly helpful in this situation. So she just kinda shuts up and watches.

The officer doing the talking then turns to Gail, "If you didn't see what happened in the store we probably won't need to bother you for a statement, but if I can have your name and address in case the investigation detective wishes to speak with you, please?"

Nodding, Gail holds her ID out once more, "Of course. Always happy to help." she remarks, trying to just go along to get along.

The ambulance has arrived but the medics are being told to wait for the Meta squad backup before they take the man to the hospital.

Not long after the Meta squad backup arrive and the man is taken away still unconscious. The mall security guards stay by the store to prevent any looting before the window is replaced.

"Is the baby okay?" asks Gail as she watches the guy getting carted off. "Oh, what an adorable stuffed tiger!" she exclaims before gesturing to the baby, "Mind if I kinda gush all over her?" she asks.

Third finally relaxes now that the meta squad as arrived. She smiles softly. "Sure. Her name's Kysmette. We call her Kyssie."

Porter is relieved that all is well, and the guy's caught. Gail's asking to gush makes him grin, and he brings the Pink Princess her way. "Sure, she's likes being gushed and hugged. Just watch out. She's got her mom's grip.."

"I wouldn't worry about it. I'm an only child. Never had the chance to have a baby brother or sister to play with." She reaches out and moves a hand before Kyssie's face, "Aren't you a gorgeous little girl?" she asks in babytalk. But she does her best to not let her hand get caught... yet.

"And her father's great smile," Third grins as she leans against Porter and gives him a one-armed hug.

Porter grins with pride and, well, then amusement at Third's compliment. Kysmette stares at Gail while grinning around the Hobbs ear she's gumming and drooling all over.

Third smiles at Porter and points to his grin. "See? That's what I'm talking about."

Telepathic message to Porter from Third: << Third has finally calmed down now that the family is safe. >>

Third hears Porter's voice inside her head: << Porter offers her reassuring thoughts, anyhow, along with a mental snug. >>

Porter also blushes well, it seems.

Telepathic message to Porter from Third: << Para returns a mental snug. And a physical one to follow up. >>

Third gives Porter a soft snug and a smile. "So...you said that person may have been after Kysmette because you helped Gabrielle? Does she know anything about the local chapter of that group?"

Porter hmms. "Good question. I can ask her... but I don't know if she'll know too much." A bit of a frown. "She was kidnapped, mind controlled, and she's still recovering."

Third sighs and nods softly. "Do we know any other experts in town, maybe?"

Porter shrugs. "Maybe? I can think of a person or two I could ask."

"Maybe it'd be a good idea for us to talk with them," Third ponders as she watches Gail play with Kysmette. "I don't think this was just coincidence."

Porter nods and sighs. "Yeah, probably not. And even if it was, I don't want those guys grabbing some other kids anywhere."

Okay, gushing is time consuming. Gail has been in babyspeak for several minutes and kinda tuning out the world. But... she looks up after a bit and mutters, "Huh? What's not a coincidence?"

Third nods and gives Porter a soft squeeze. "Hm..." Third thinks to herself and notes the irony suddenly. "Perhaps in a weird way, it was lucky he targeted Kysmette so he could be stopped, rather than getting away with taking someone else's baby without incident." Then she frowns a little, because it doesn't make her feel all that much better, really. But it's a small consolation.

Porter frowns at that, but there is some truth to it. "Or maybe it was just stupidity? Either way, don't like the idea of them trying to grab any kids anywhere.

"That a DEMON agent would happen to target Kysmette by chance," Third answers Gail. "But...that may be just how things worked out."

"Demon... I don't know anything about a group by that name, but... the name itself implies evilnastybad stuff, if you take my meaning." says Gail, trying to sound mature and educated a bit.

Third nods softly and gives Porter another one armed squeeze. Preemptive comfort in case he starts to worry. "Very nasty. They are not good people," she vastly understates. "They have a cultist mind set. You wouldn't want to get near them."

"Well, I wouldn't mind getting near one... with a baseball bat, if they even thought about hurting this adorable little ball of cute!" says Gail in a cutsey voice as she holds a finger out for Kyssie to take hold of.

And so the Kysmette Grabby Hands of the Death Grip are loosed upon the unsuspecting finger! While Porter nods. "Yeah, they're ...really not nice. And they're not getting anywhere near Kyssie." The current incident notwithstanding.

GRIPOF DOOOOOM! Gail feigns begging for mercy when her finger is grabbed, but she's grinning, so it's not a very good act. "She's got a great grip!" she announces, other hand reaching to caress the top of her head. Ahh, babies are like girl magnets, aren't they?

Third nods in agreement with Porter. "They'll regret it if they try anything again. Hopefully the police can find out something about why he was targetting Kysmette."

"Oh!" exclaims Gail. "I totally forgot to introduce myself!" She shakes her head, "I'm Gail. Gail Windstrom. Currently a Junior at Colonial Heights." She offers her off hand, since the right hand is in the GRIP OF DOOOOOM!

Porter nods with Third, then blinks, too. "Oh! Sorry. Nice to meet you, Gail. I'm Porter." He shakes the offered hand, "and this is Third."

And then... Gail kinda freezes. "Porter? Not -the- Porter, are you?" she asks, taking a half step back. It seems... she has heard things.

Porter quirks a brow., "The only one I know of?" Then he shrugs. "And if you've heard weird stuff... that's me."

A slow nod, and then Gail looks to Kyssie, who's still holding her finger... "Hey kiddo, you'd better get a helmet... ASAP." she remarks to the little girl. "And maybe some elbow and knee pads. Treat every day like you're skateboarding, on gravel." Wise advice, eh?

Porter smirks at that, though the mirth doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Hey, she's tougher than I am, I think. And we're doing a good job. Not going to let anything hurt her."

Though he also admits, after a brief pause, "But that's not a bad idea..."

"I know." says Gail. "It's obvious you guys love her very much. I am just clinically incapable of taking anything seriously for more than thirty seconds at a time." she adds, nodding slowly as she tries to at least -appear- serious.

Porter does genuinely chuckle at that. "I get it. I can't take things too seriously all the time, either." Otherwise he'd probably be really messed up and/or disappointed all the time.

Third frowns a bit at Gail's advice. "She'll be fine. Finer than fine." She sounds a bit defensive of Porter.

Telepathic message to Porter from Third: << Para gives Porter a mental hug. "She doesn't know any better. Just based on your rep. Kyssie doesn't need all that to be safe. She doesn't have anything to worry about from you, Sweetie." >>

Third hears Porter's voice inside her head: << I know. You're right. Nothing to worry about. Except DEMON babynappers. Or the coffee maker exploding. Or another dad trying to kill her mom. No big deal, right? >>

Third suddenly looks saddened as she glances at Porter. Saddened, and a bit surprised. Even though no verbal words were exchanged. She just leans against him and gives him a big two-armed hug to embrace both him and Kysmette.

Telepathic message to Porter from Third: << It'll be okay, Sweetie. She'll be safe. Your powers will make sure of that. DEMON, we can deal with together. And Despair...we'll deal with him together, too. >>

Porter is a little surprised at the hug, but his startle fades with a sigh into ... maybe not quite content, but appreciative.

Third hears Porter's voice inside her head: << I hope so. I hope you'll both stay safe. >>

Telepathic message to Porter from Third: << We will. Promise. We'll be safe, and we'll always be here with you, Sweetie. >>

Shaking her head, Gail remarks, "I wasn't trying to insult you ma'am. Just.. making a joke." That said, she shrugs and says, "Oh, it's getting late, I oughta get home before mom sends out the swat team."

Porter gives Third a tentative smile, then chuckles at Gail. "Yeah, guess you better. Worried parents are not a good thing. For anybody."

"Oh, you didn't insult me. You just...hit on a sensitive topic," Third smiles softly, but still snuggles Porter. "Get home safe, Gail."

"Wait'll -she- grows up a bit and hits her teens. You're gonna go gray way early, I promise." says Gail, almost... prophetically as she dashes out a side door from the mall.