Todd Wants Key's Face

Todd: Alright then. ^^ *he runs up the building they jumped off of, grabbing onto anything available for him, pulling himself upwards, climbing, until he reaches the roof*

Key: ...okay. you can do this. *takes a few steps back, then runs up the wall the same way Todd did, grabbing every available handhold to get herself up the wall. she grabs onto the edge and pulls herself up onto the roof* whoo... okay, easier than i thoought. Shall we? :)

Todd: *laughs a little* But of course. *he then takes off, like last time, hopping each roof. The snow had starting falling quicker, heavier, but Todd only welcomed this, despite how cold he felt. Under the twinkling sky, though swirling snow, he and Key traveled back to the roof of their own home*

Key: *is almost out of breath by the time they reach their roof, but she doesn't mind. she pauses for a moment to catch her breath* ...hff... *she warmly smiles at Todd* ...I'm glad we did this....

Todd: I'm also glad... I hadn't felt that way in a very long time, y'know? It felt... good...

Key: ...just like before.

Todd: Yeah... now let's head to bed, 'kay? *he walks over to where the bedroom window is, hangs off the roof and swings himself in*

Key: *follows suit after she's sure Todd's out of the way, swinging in through the window. she shuts the window, and proceeds to brush all the loose snow off her clothes*

Todd: *does the same, then takes off the hoodie, gets into some night clothes, and gets into the bed* Join me, dear Key.

Key: *does the same, changing out of her clothes into something more comfortable, and joining Todd in bed*

Todd: *takes his tranquilizer, then scoots in close to Key* Y'know... outside was nice and all... but here it's nice and warm... <3

Key: *scoots in towards him, snuggling into him* that it is... <3

Todd: *kisses her on the cheek, placing a hand on the back of her head, and keeping it there, even after the kiss, running his fingers through her hair* Wow, hey, I know this is a weird time to point this out, but I really need to clip my... uh... claws. I don't want to accidentally scratch someone.

Key: *brings her hands up to his chest, resting her head on his shoulder* That'd be a good idea... *glances down at her hands and frowns* ...lucky for me, mine aren't sharp...

Todd: *trying to make a joke from her statement, to quickly lighten the mood before it goes sour* Well, good thing - that would make cuddling a whole hell of a lot harder. :P

Key: *smiles, grateful for the mood change* It would, wouldn't it? *buries her face in his neck and kisses it* Thank god that didn't happen...

Todd: No kidding... you... actually scared the crap out of me the morning after you started coughing up blood... started growling at me...

Key: ...I'm sorry... I didn't mean to, I just... it was instinctual, almost... I couldn't help it...

Todd: *he grins at her again* Hah, yeah, I know - of COURSE I know - Green Flu hit me right at the beginning... but that's all done, now. Good riddance. Everything's normal again. :)

Key: *smiles again, and nuzzles him* at least, as close as it can get... <3

up

Todd: ... it's... funny how everything turned out, huh? ... Scary, almost...

Key: ...yeah... who knew, right...? *sighs* ...I just...wish it'd get better...

Todd: *trying to sound hopeful* ... it might. We just need to wait and see.

Key: ... *nods* I guess...

Todd: ... do you want to run with me? On the rooftops?

Key: *a smile smile tugs at the corners of her mouth* It's been a while since I last ran... It's a little bit icy too...

Todd: *he gives her a grin - a grin that he was once able to give her long ago, reborn on that night* If you fall, I'll catch you. *he then takes off, leaping off their roof onto their neighbor's, and then to the next*

*it began to snow again - it had snowed before, which made the ground thick with white plumes of smooth, inviting softness*

Key: *watches him for a few moments, caught off-guard by his grin--that grin she had fallen in love with so long ago. she stands up and takes off after him, leaping from roof to roof with renewed vigor, feeling just like she did when she ran back in high school--completely free*

Todd: *he runs with her, flecks of white dancing around their bodies as they scampered across cement and tile, jumping from rooftop to rooftop, like birds, they were - like birds. With Key, Todd felt like he was alive, free, like before all of this. Before it all. And then he jumped below, taking Key with him, jumping down into a pile of that soft, embracing snow, feeling its cold and loving it*

Key: *lands in the pile next to Todd, welcoming the cold after all that running--it felt good. resting her head back onto the snow, she lets out a laugh, feeling so happy, almost giddy. she hadn't felt that rush in a long time...*

Todd: *laughs with her, his mood soaring above the normal gloom that he was so used to, and he kissed her, he did. There in the snow, he kissed her, feeling her warmth intertwine with the cold, the snow still sparkling around them, falling overhead onto their bodies, draping a blanket over them*

Key: *kisses him back, not minding the cold, not one bit. as they lay there in the snow, she felt like they were back in that safehouse, sharing that first kiss--in that moment, there had been no infection, nothing to fear. just each other and those feelings they shared--and it was the same now. smling into the kiss, she decides that they had nothing to worry about right now except each other*

Todd: *he pulls her closer to him, the snow falling, smiling with her as they kissed. And even after the kiss, he rubbed his body against hers, closer still, running his hand through her hair, and placing his forehead against hers. Under the stars, in the twinkling snow - the night was beautiful*

Key: *presses herself against him, a hand on the back of his neck, the other around his middle. she enjoyed the feel of his cool skin against hers, and allowed herself a quiet hum of satisfaction--this was perfect*

Todd: *wordlessly, he takes one of Key's hands - the one that was on the back of his neck - and simply holds it, rubbing the back of it with his thumb, staring into her eyes with no eyes of his own - but he could hear her soft breathing, and he smiled at her again - this time not a grin, but soft*

Key: *mirrors his smile, returning the feeling. she slowly rubs up and down his back, and after a few moments, closes her eyes. she can hear his quiet breathing and feel his heartbeat, feel his chest rise and fall with hers as they inhale the night air, together. she didn't say anything, for fear of ruining the moment--there was nothing to be said now*

Todd: *after another moment, Todd kisses Key again, then pulls away, sitting up* ... maybe we should head back...

Key: *lays there for a moment longer before sitting up with a sigh* I guess we should... do you... want to run back?

Tod: *he grins at her again* only if you're up to it.

Key: *grins back at him, and stands up from the snow pile, shaking the white flecks off her clothes* Oh, I'm up for it.

up

Todd: Alrighty then, little miss - let's go to the park, then. ^^

Sarah: *eagerly stands up from the couch* Okay! :D

Todd: *he and Sarah walk out of the house, and over to the park*

Sarah: *walks hand-in-hand with her dad, trying her best to ignore the pointed looks that a few people shot their way* ...

Todd: *also ignores the people around them, entering the park with Sarah* Alright... so, uh, I guess I should kinda, like, flip over things, or whatever?

Sarah: *is rather excited to see--she'd heard him talk about it, but she had never really seen him use it that much other than when he used to leave out the window* Uh-huh. :D

Todd: *grins at her* I'll have to stretch a bit first. Hang on. *he starts doing so*

Sarah: *rocks back and forth on her heels, waiting* X)

Todd: *after stretching, he immediately bolts off, sprinting to a jungle gym, which he manages to climb up in a matter of seconds, then jump off of, back-flipping. After landing, he doesn't stop moving, jumping through the latter used to climb up the jungle gym, rolling to soften the landing. Then Todd walked back over to Sarah, panting slightly, brushing the tanbark off of his hoodie and pants*

Sarah: 8O... That was sooooo cooooooool~!! :D

Todd: I'm glad you liked that. ^^ Parkour is a very fulfilling, but VERY dangerous activity. It takes a LOT of practice to do stunts like I just showed you without hurting something.

Sarah: ooohh... >_> <_< .... can you teach me how to do it? :D

Todd: Ah...hah... D: *at first he's uncomfortable with the idea of his daughter learning parkour - the idea of her seriously getting hurt, or WORSE, frightened him... but... she should be allowed to have that freedom, feel what he felt, and a smile grew on his face* ... Okay. I'll teach you, Sarah.

Sarah: *grins widely, now extremely excited* Yayyyy~! X3

*it was a few weeks later after that day in the park that Todd sat, thinking, on the roof of their home. He wondered about that mob from earlier - how the charger said there would be more people after him. He wondered if that was really true, and he needed to be on his guard, or not. He thought about Crowe, and his death, and wondered if Harry and Claire really will be the leaders that will help really rebuild the community, and abolish the segregation that Crowe had set up*

Key: *comes back from work, exhausted. she intends to go straight to bed, going upstairs and making sure Sarah is asleep as she passes by her daughter's room. she's a bit confused when she enters her and Todd's room and finds Todd missing, and the window open* .... *walks over to the window and looks out of it. seeing no one on the ground, she leans out of the window and looks up at the roof* ....Todd? Are you up there?

Todd: *hears her, and calls back to her, his train of thought going off track* ... yeah! I'm... I'm on the roof!

Key: ... *steps out of the window, onto the ledge just outside of it, then hops up to grab the edge above her, hoisting herself onto the room with a bit of effort* hff... definitely out of practice...

Todd: *he eyes her as she climbs up* ... hiya... you didn't have to come up here, y'know - I was gonna head down soon...

Key: I needed to get some air... *sits next to him, and stares out over the city* ...

up

Todd: *notices the kids staring as well* ... Good idea. Come on. *walks with her*

Sarah: *notices more and more kids and their parents staring at Todd, and takes his hand* ...

Todd: *holds Sarah's hand, and walks out of the school property, to home* ... were they bothering you at school, Sarah?

Sarah: ...a little...

Todd: What did they say?

Sarah: ...they were asking me if the guy that b-blew up the school was my dad, cuz their parents had told them or they saw on tv... i didn't answer and they thought it meant yes so they started telling people...

Todd: Oh, Sarah... just ignore them, alright? Those kids are just kinda scared is all, and you can just shut them out...

Sarah: *nods* Okay... I'll try... what if they don't stop?

Todd: You keep ignoring them, Sarah. That, or you tell the teacher.

Sarah: ...okay...

Todd: They're just stupid kids, Sarah. They tend to do stupid things. Don't worry so much about it.

*they reach the house*

Sarah: I'll try, I'll try... where's mom? :/

Todd: She's trying to find a job. You're stuck with me, kid.

Sarah: *laughs* I was just wonderiiing. *goes inside with Todd*

Todd: *sits down on the couch* I know. :P Man, I really wish I could just find another job - staying around here is BORING...

Sarah: *puts her backpack down and sits on the couch next to him* wellll... you could always go parkour, like you used to <:/

Todd: *grins* Only if you come with me.

Sarah: *blinks in surprise* I... don't know how... to... D:

Todd: *shrugs* You can watch, or ride on my back... though riding on my back might make your mother freak out on me. XP

Sarah: She told me she did that once! :o But I think I'll just watch. It'd be scary. ^^;

up

*in the morning*

Todd: *waking up* Mnn...

Key: *is still asleep, and still hugging him* ...

Todd: *watches her sleep* ...

Key: *after a while, she wakes up. she's almost surprised to see Todd there, but her surprise quickly turns into joy, and she smiles* 'morning...

Todd: *quietly, still troubled* ...Good morning...

Key: ... *resumes rubbing his back* ...I'd ask what's wrong, but I'm pretty sure I know what it is...

Todd: ... yeah, probably. I feel so... off. Today. Yeah.

Key: mm... You're just not used to being back yet...

Todd: ... I guess...

Key: ... *rests her head against his* ...It'll all be okay, Todd... you shouldn't have to worry anymore...

Todd: *he sighs* Okay, Key... *Todd gets up out of bed* Don't know what I'll do all day... I've got no job, and no one will ever DARE hire me... and since our old house burned down, that novel... it's gone... how are we going to... pay for anything...?

Key: *gets out of ed* ...I'll have to go out and find a job. We have no other choice, really...

Todd: ... does this mean I'll be the one picking Sarah up from school, now?

Key: ...unless I get a job that lets me off early enough, then yes...

Todd: Okay... *he remembers something* ... I need to take one of my anti-psychotics...

Key: Alright... I'll get Sarah up, then... *goes out to do so*

Todd: *fishes through his bag for the anti-psychotics. Finding them, he takes a pill out and swallows it* ...

*much later in the day*

Sarah: *comes out of school, looking for Key--and is instead greeted by Todd* Oh! Hi dad~ :D

Todd: *grins at her* Hey, kiddo - how was your day?

Kids: *stare at Todd*

Sarah: It was good. ^^ *notices kids staring* Umm... can I tell you about it at home? D:

up

Todd: ... yeah... yeah she does... *he walks up the stairs with her, into her room. He then puts Sarah in her bed, tucking her in. He stairs at his adopted daughter for a long time* ...

Key: *had followed Todd up, and she now stands at the door, waiting for him* ...

Sarah: *drowsily looks over at Todd* ...don't go away again... okay?

Todd: *quietly* ... I won't... I promise. *he then exits the room, touching Key lightly on the shoulder as he walks passed her, and into their bedroom*

Key: ... Good night, Sarah... *closes the door to her daughter's room, and follows Todd to their room*

Todd: *he steps over to the bed, getting in, exhausted. Scared* ...

Key: .... *gets into bed with him, for the first time in months. immediately, she moves over and snuggles into him, putting her arms around him--she knows he needs it* ...

Todd: *sighs sadly, moving closer to her* ... they all hate me now... they all want me dead...

Key: *rubs his back comfortingly* ...they'll leave you alone... they just need to realize that you're no different than they are...

Todd: ... but I'm not... I'm a murderer...

Key: ...what do you think they were trying to do to you just now? they were trying to KILL you, Todd...

Todd: ... because of what I did... I murdered all those children... and they didn't touch Sarah...

Key: ... *snuggles a bit closer* Todd... you were the best person I had ever met. You still are. If... if you could be driven to that... then any of THEM could too.

Todd: ... thank you... *he puts an arm over Key and kisses her*

Key: *returns the kiss, continuing to rub up and down his back. it... it felt good to have him back, like a hole had been filled in somehow*

Todd: *moves the kiss down to her neck, then cuddles, snuggling against her, not saying a word. He enjoyed his time with Key, but ever since he snapped, he lost his true place in the world*

Key: *hus him to herself, holding him close, continuing the rubbing motion. it felt the almost the same as it always did... though what was different, she couldn't tell... but it was good enough. she kisses the top of his head* good night, Todd...

Todd: *quietly* .. good night... *he scoots away from Key in order to take his tranquilizer, then scoots back over to her* ...

Key: *hugs him the same way when he comes back, enjoying just being there with him when he's been missing for so long--she actually convinces herself to stay awake just a little while longer, just to enjoy the moment* ...

Todd: *has fallen asleep from the tranquilizer, his emotions, a mix of happiness, love, fear, and sadness*

Key: *manages to stay awake for a while, but sleep eventually overtakes her--she feels very much the same as Todd, but happier. much happier*

up

Todd: *smiles cheerfully at her* Don't worry about me.

*they leave*

Todd: *walks with them* Okay guys - I get why you're angry... I'm sorry - I really am - you have NO IDEA how much I beat myself up about that -

Charger: *to a human man* Give him the chloroform.

Todd: Chlorofo - ?? D8

Man: *suddenly shoves a chloroform-laced handkerchief against Todd's mouth and nose*

Todd: !! *he tries not to breathe it in, but eventually has to, and he passes out*

Charger: Good. Now let's get him over to the noose we set up...

Key: *starts getting very nervous when time passes and Todd doesn't come back. out of oncern, xhe leaves the house--she just needs to make sure he was okay.

Sarah: *had heard the talking and the door-slammings from her room, and becomes curious. she searches through the house, hoping to find eveything just as she had left it, but finds that something is still mising

*the mob drags Todd to a tree that stood tall in front of the ruins of the Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School. There, a noose hung from a sturdy branch, swaying hauntingly in the wind*

Todd: *still passed out*

Charger: ... let's wait for him to wake up... I wanna hear this bastard scream.

Mob: *all stand still, silent*

Key: *had caught up to the mob. she looks past them as sees the noose, instantly putting her into a panic--they woudn't lynch him, would they!? she pushes through the crowd, to the front there the charger is* W-What are you doing!? D:<

Sarah: *her curiosity had gotten the better of her, ands he wanders out of the house after her mother*

Charger: *through his teeth* Get out of here. We only want justice.

Mob: *glares at Key, everyone trying to step into her way as much as possible - she couldn't reach Todd*

Todd: *unconscious*

Key: *tries unsucessfully to get past them--there were too many of them* He got his punishment! He served his time! Please, just let him go! D:>

Sarah: *eventually catches up to the mob. she can hear her mother arguing--pleading? but she can't see her. she looks around, trying to pick out Key's face on the crowd*

Charger: You can't stop us... besides - staying in a madhouse isn't a PUNISHMENT - only PROTECTION from US! OUR CHILDREN AREN'T GOING TO EVER COME BACK!!

Todd: *waking up* ghuhh...

Charger: Oh good... now you can HANG...

Todd: What?? D8

Charger: Get him on the noose!!

Mob: *the entire mob starts helping - they manage to get the noose around Todd's neck, despite his struggling - the only thing that kept him breathing was a wooden crate he was standing on*

Todd: Wait - Wait, STOP! D8>

Charger: NO!

Key: *is unable to get to him due to the mob, and is forced to look on in horror* TODD!! D8>

Sarah: *finally spots her mother and runs over to her--but then she sees her father moments away from death--* DAD!!

Everyone: *looks at Sarah and stops*

Charger: ... he had a child...?

Todd: *quietly* ...adoptive... but we still love each other...

Charger: *to Sarah* Go home, kid. Your daddy's a bad, bad man.

Todd: *through his teeth* if you take me away from her, you'll be HURTING her...

Sarah: *tries to get through the crowd*

Key: *holds her back by putting her hands on her shoulders, fearing for her safety*

Sarah: I-I know what he did, but... h-he's still my dad...! Please... please don't do anything to him! *is basically pleading at this point, tears forming in her eyes, her voice breaking* I o-only just got him back... please don't take him away...

Key: *looks down at Sarah, then at Todd, then at the crowd, mirroring Sarah's pleading expression--she hoped, prayed that the crowd would change their mind, if not for her, then for Sarah*

Charger: ... ... *he snorts* ... let him go.

Mob: :/ *they let Todd down*

Todd: *immediately runs through the crowd, over to Sarah and Key, shaken*

Charger: ... here's a warning to you, Huntings... we're just one small group... there are many more out there who'd like to see your head on a pike... *he walks off*

Mob: *murmuring amongst themselves, they go their separate ways*

Sarah: DAD! *immediately runs to meet him and throws her arms around him, clinging to him as if she was afraid they would take him away from her again*

Key: *does the same, hugging him close, watching the now-dispersing crowd as if they'd turn around and try to attack them* ....

Todd: *he speaks, his voice shaking* l-let's go h-home now...

Key: ... *nods, and releases him*

Sarah: *doesn't let go of him, still hanging on to him*

Todd: ... *he picks Sarah up* ... *Todd then walks with Key back home*

Sarah: *clings to her father as they walk, resting her head on his shoulder*

Key: *stays close to him, glancing around, now feeling very anxious and somewhat paranoid* ....

Todd: ... maybe I should talk to Harry about this... him and Claire are setting up to be the new leaders, right?

Key: Mhmm... they're moving up fast... *looks at him* You know, no matter what they do, I'm not letting you go out on your own if i can help it, right? D:>

Sarah: ...

Todd: ... I don't think I'll be going out again for a while anyway...

*they reach the house and enter it*

Todd: *seems to completely relax when they stead inside the house - he had been completely tensed up for the entire walk home*

Sarah: *was still hanging onto Todd, though she was a bit sleepy now, eyes half-closed from drowsiness*

Key: ...Sarah needs to go to bed...

up

Todd: Are you sure she missed me...?

*they reach Sarah's room*

Key: *nods* You can see for yourself. *opens the door partway* Sarah?

Sarah: *looks up from what she was doing* Hm?

Key: *smiles* I brought you someone. *opens the door all the way to reveal Todd*

Sarah: *her eyes slowly widen when she sees him, but she doesn't move from her spot* ...!!

Todd: Sarah... i-i-it's been a long time since... everything happened... I-I didn't break out this time, they let me out because I was being good... so... uh... hiya.

Sarah: *quietly, as if she couldn't believe he was there* hi... *looks at Key, as if to confirm she wasn't just seeing things*

Key: *smiles and nods*

Sarah: ... *stands up and approaches Todd, stopping a few feet away from him, looking up at him* ...You're really here.

Todd: ... I am, yeah. *he opens his arms for a hug* <:/

Sarah: ... *quickly closes the rest of the distance and hugs him tightly, burying her face in his abdomen* ...i missed you...

Key: <:) ....

Todd: *hugs her tightly* ... I missed you too, Sarah...

Sarah: ... *sniffles a bit*

Key: ... *joins them, embracing the two of them in a tight hug*

Todd: ... I'm sorry for leaving like that, Sarah. I'm sorry for scaring you - for acting... the way I acted... but we can be a family again...

Key: We're all together now, there's nothing to worry about...

Sarah: *nods, still hugging him tightly* uh huh...

Todd: Oh - that reminds me - Key, in order to refill my anti-psychotics, I'll have to go to the ICI. Can't get that kind of stuff over the counter - not anymore, at least.

Key: *nods* Alright. Makes sense...

Sarah: ...

Todd: ... right now, though... right now I'm tired. I... really need to just REST...

Key: Alright. *releases Todd* It's getting late anyway...

Sarah: ... *lets go of Todd and looks up at him, revealing that she had been a bit teary-eyed while she hugged him*

Todd: Sarah... *he wipes a few tears from the corners of her eyes* it's gonna be okay, now... okay? *he heads up to his and Key's bedroom*

Sarah: ..g'night....

Key: ...He's just tired, okay? *kisses her on top of her head* Come on, time for you to go to bed... *puts Sarah to bed, then goes upstairs*

Todd: *midway up the stairs, Todd hears knocking* ...? *he heads back down the stairs and opens the door* ... hello?

A Charger: Todd Huntings. We want an apology.

Todd: *leans over a bit, noticing the small crowd behind The Charger's large mass* uh...

Key: ? *hears the knocking and the voices, and comes back down the stairs to investigate. she begins to worry when she sees the crowd outside* ...

Todd: *looks back at Key* ... it's okay. They just want me to say that I'm sorry. That's it.

Charger: Come out with us, Mr. Huntings. Let's all have a walk together.

Todd: *shrugs* Sure, man. Whatever you want. *looks back at Key* I'll be back, okay?

Key: *bites her lip nervously, but nods. she knew this wasn't a good idea...* ...

up

Todd: Eh... eheh... that's what Key told me...

Harry: *changing the subject* Are you listening to your doctors now, Todd?

Todd: *nods* I am... they prescribed me some anti-psychotics... that's what I am, by the way - psychotic.

Claire: I see... Well... hopefully they'll let you out once the medication's taken enough effect... Have they mentioned how long it might take?

Todd: *sadly* ... another year... but I don't blame them, really, with taking all this precaution - I mean... I did a lot of damage...

Harry: Well... as long as you have "good behavior", maybe they'll let you out earlier then scheduled.

Todd: ... you think so?

Claire: It's very possible. You have the same rights as anyone else here, so they have to give you the same opportunities. If you behave, they will let you out. :)

Todd: *he smiles at this, then thinks of another thing to ask them* How's Sam?

Harry: I dunno, myself - I just got home today.

Claire: He's doing great. He absolutely adores Sarah, by the way.

Todd: *his smile widens* I'm glad to hear that... I can't wait to see everyone again when I finally get home - as long as the wait may be.

Harry: :) *is glad to see Todd seemingly returned to his normal self, mostly. He thought "mostly" because Todd had this look about him that made it seem as if his friend was completely and totally depressed*

Claire: I'm sure they can't wait to see you either. :) *is also glad, though she DOES notice that something's a bit off*

Todd: ... *he frowns at this. He knew Sarah probably didn't want to see him ever again* ...

Harry: Todd -

Todd: *is snapped out of his train of thought* !

Harry: *he stands up and walks around the table. He takes Todd by the shoulders and stands him up* Even after all this, you're still my friend.

Todd: ...

Harry: ...I forgive you for everything. *he hugs Todd tightly*

Todd: *he hugs Harry back tightly, and even begins to cry, sobbing into Harry's chest*

Harry: *almost as if he is Todd's father, and Todd is much younger than he is now, he pats Todd on the back* ... it's okay, Todd... you just cry, alright?

Claire: ! *stands up as well, but doesn't move from her spot--she feels like she's intruding now. nevertheless, she smiles as she watches the two men, two friends, finally reunited after a decade of hate and misunderstanding* ...

Todd: *after much crying ,he separated from Harry, wiping blood off his face* Sorry...

Harry: You needed it. We'll leave you alone now, Todd.

Todd: ... please don't go...

Harry: We'll be back. <:) *he motions for Claire to follow him, then gets the guard to lead them out, while the other leads Todd out*

Claire: *follows Harry out, walking next to him as they head back to the waiting area* ...So... All's forgiven, huh?

Harry: *he's in a very good mood* I... I guess so. <:D

Claire: *smiles widely. she hasn't seen him this happy since... well, it was such a long while ago, she can't even remember. she hooks her arm in his as they continue out of the ICI, headed back home...*

*five months later, Todd is finally allowed home. He carries a bag, which held his anti-psychotics, and rings the doorbell of Key's house*

Key: *answers the door, expecting Claire, or maybe even Harry--but definitely not Todd* !! Todd, you--!! *immediately steps forward and throws her arms around him, hugging him tightly* ...welcome back...

Todd: *whispering into her ear, hugging her back tightly* glad to be back... *he looks over her shoulder* where's Sarah?

Key: she's upstairs... *releases Todd, but keeps ahold of his hand, tugging him inside* come on. i'm sure she'll be happy to see you. <:)

Todd: *follows Key* She would...? Even after all that stuff I did...? And the fact that the house burned down because of ME...?

Key: ..you have no idea how much she missed you these past frew months...

up

Todd: ... but not everyone is an actual diagnosed psycho...

Key: *has no response--she can't argue with him on that. she puts her free hand on both of his, and stares into his eyes (or rather, where they SHOULD be). she was tired, she was worn down, and it showed, but there was something in her eyes that hadn't changed...*

Todd: *he stares back at Key, not saying a word* ...

Guard 1: Time's up. Go home, Ms. Dawson.

Key: ... *looks back at the guard and nods, then looks back at Todd* ...I'll come back, okay? I promise. *lets go of his hands, and stands up to leave*

Todd: *pathetically* ... okay...

Guard 1: Come on - let's go.

Guard 2: *leads Todd out*

Key: *watches as Todd is led out of the room, then exits the room herself, heading back to the waiting area*

Secretary: *types away at a computer behind a desk. No one else was there*

Key: ... *looks over at where she had left Sarah and Sam, and surely enough there they were* I'm back...

Sarah: !! How was he?? D:

Key: He was... he was fine. He was better. Come on, we'll talk on the way back... come on, Sam. *picks him up, and heads out with Sarah and Sam, going to Claire's*

*it was one week later that Harry was let out of the medical wing. He was still limping, and was told to take prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection from the deep wound. The first thing Harry wanted to do was see Todd*

Harry: *in the house, sitting on the couch, drumming his fingers on the armrest* ...

Sarah: *is sitting on the floor near the couch, playing with Sam* ^^

Sam: *is very much amused* :D

Key: *is somewhere else in the house, making calls and writing information down, still hunting for a house*

Claire: *rests her elbows on the back of the couch next to Harry* Hey... I've been told that visiting hours end at 7 today. Do you still want to go see Todd?

Harry: *nods* I do, I do. Can we go now? Please?

Claire: Of course. *goes around the couch and offers him a hand to help him stand*

Harry: *accepting her hand, he uses it to carefully stand himself up with a grunt* Alright then... let's head out.

*and so, mentioning that they were going out to Key, they do, entering the ICI, and waiting in the waiting area*

Claire: ...I don't know what to expect... especially after last time...

Harry: ... Well, Crowe's dead. He's gotta be a little less violent, now...

Guard 3: *walks in* He's ready to see you two now. Follow me.

*they walk to the visiting room. Todd sits alone in the chair across the table*

Todd: *he looks at them both, worry in his brow*

Harry: ... Todd -

Todd: I'm sorry - I'm so sorry I stabbed you, Harry - I'm sorry for hurting you, Claire - I'm so, so sorry...

Harry: ...

Claire: *quietly sighs in relief. she had honestly been expecting something completely different--she didn't know what to say to him* ...

Harry: *he blinks, still staying silent*

Todd: ... just say something... PLEASE...

Harry: I-I don't know what to say...

Todd: ... do you hate me...?

Harry: No! No, Todd, we don't hate you! D:>

Claire: You're a hard person to hate, Todd. D:

Todd: But I... I...

Harry: ... that wasn't you, and you know it.

Claire: *nods in agreement* Anyone can break under pressure, Todd... we know you wouldn't have done any of it otherwise.

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