Pairing Alert: DonnelXMaribelle with special appearance by GaiusXAnna teasing.

We've got another big one where the events had to be split and continue into chapter 9. I understand my updates for this story have been few and far between, and I'm sorry about slacking... It's just one of those stories I write when I don't feel like taking anything seriously and lately I've felt like crap.

One Cup Of Alternate Dimension

Chapter 8: An Angel's Smile Is What You Sell

Morgan had much to jot down in her journal when she returned home. Robin and Cherche were already preparing to sit down for dinner, and she hated to barely acknowledge them and swipe the plate at her seat to rush to her room but... She hoped they understood it wasn't taking a Gerome approach – waiting until one's twenties to rebel. She just needed to take solace in the fact she had a key to the other family's house, and she could totally slip in there during work hours at least for three more days.

It probably sounded terrible and a violation of their trust, but think about it: Chrom and Olivia had little reason to trust her. They probably only gave her that key out of some combo of knowing she might try breaking a window to get in and check on Inigo, and being absurd in general. And you know what? Morgan didn't fault them for that; they were perceptive.

"You're curious." Anna said with an obnoxious smirk, hands deep in the drawer.

"If we have conflict, just tell me so we can avoid senseless bloodshed... Verbally." Morgan DEMANDED, arms crossed and face probably not that scary.

Anna sighed from lack of uncovering juicy intel from her search, shoved the drawer back and whirled to face her. She just held out her arms as if to gesture to herself. "Do I look like I come from this world?"

"You look like a copy paste image." Morgan said just a little more bitterly than intended, but not by much. Let's just say it takes an unoriginal design to know one, and leave that thought in the air.

"I didn't find any holy gate of, or whatever you said. One day I just... Woke up here, taken from my riches and treasures. Then I had a theory: I might have been whisked away from my world/our world because of divine intervention unfortunately as you theorized. Like maybe I am wrapped up in the gods' activities, but MAN I don't want to be." Anna explained, tiredness appearing in her eyes. "All I want is wealth and to appreciate physical objects before death can separate us. But some kind of holy force is an asshole, and they aren't letting me enjoy what I want as if it's some kind of sin. Well, sorry, I do what I want and no amount of dimension-hopping can change my mind."

"Okay, but are you trying to tell me YOU were chosen to be the gods' plaything? Self esteem overload, much?"

"Hm, why don't you look yourself in the mirror before you say that?"

Morgan reeled away, downright offended by Anna's inexcusable behavior. In her mind.

Anna still looked tired of this world, whether her theory was true or not she seemed to fully believe it. She took some shambling steps to Morgan, caught her by the shoulders and off guard.

"You can't stand me; I can respect that. But here's the thing: I can't help thinking the way of getting out lies in your father and Chrom; if this world is reflecting ours, how come those two aren't running off hand and hand in the sunset together? So I've spent weeks searching for answers, the only important thing I've found being this photo and that box over there... And I wonder if I'm running out of time since, like you said if this was a story, restoring their friendship on the day of their precious anniversary is the way out."

"So you think I'm an am... For not figuring it out sooner?" Morgan spat.

"Our world runs off their bond, so I thought it would be obvious. We barely have opinions of each other unlike them, but we both have skills to be used to get the hell out of here. I think." Anna said dramatically before stepping back and giving her time to take it in.

Morgan lied her head on the page, sighing deeply for just a moment. That's when she heard her phone chime as it was receiving one of those text things. These devices weren't easy to learn about, but the fact she'd picked up some knowledge of them could either be reassuring or scary. For now, best check the message in case it was Robin or Cherche letting her know they were going out or Gerome needing her to put the rest of the soda in the fridge because he was on one of those emo preservation forums again.

But when she saw the message, her other hand flew to her fluttering heart in an instant.

You did good work escaping the house without being caught by Aunt Lissa. It's impressive. You're impressive. I know everyone tells me not to compliment you and run the risk of opening Pandora's box, but I don't do that enough... Compliments are your fuel, and I'll give them out as long as you like.

"Inigo, I've been trying my best not to fall too far." Morgan groaned, dropping her burning face on the cool surface of the desk. "Why are you actually amazing, but I'm the only one who can see it?"

She didn't know if she was meant to reply to the message. Morgan hoped not; she couldn't trust herself not to gush in message after message, keeping the poor guy awake all night or forced to lock his phone away.

It was feeling like that reminding her she needed to get back to work helping all these people restore their relationships or at least put them on a path to it themselves. She had to cling to this feeling because she knew once she found the keys to get out with Anna, well, would Inigo from her world suddenly be overcome with a crush like Inigo apparently had at one point? She couldn't see it... Even though she had some stubborn interest in him that apparently followed her through dimensions it was easy to forget all these people were knockoffs.

Not that Morgan's head was big, or anything blatantly untrue like that, but it was for the best she was the only genuine character around. Even though she could get used to more moments with Inigo, maybe even scoring a confession if the world's okay with a break for the sentimental.

For now, she leaned back in her seat and comfortably typed a reply. Everyone called her usually, so she was... Not the A word but maybe a ROOKIE at communicating through message. Everything seemed easier to her with spoken words.

Don't forget you helped!

I'm glad to have you around!

I could compliment you all night!

Want to bet how long before I run out of compliments?

Could be an exciting bet!

Morgan held her phone to her chest, eagerly waiting for his reply. She imagined him lying in bed with only the screen's light in his face. When he realized she was into it, he was probably having to take a moment to blush and agonize over how to keep this conversation abnormal.

In a totally non-suggestive way.

Probably.

Before anything actually got spicy, there was a knock on the door followed by a Gerome-like sigh to instantly ruin anyone's good time. Morgan tried not to sigh too loud as well, dropping the phone on the desk before whirling in her chair to see the guy still dressed for the day and half hidden in illogical shadows.

"It's not like I want to spend more time with you than I must, but come here." Gerome said with complete and utter disgust, gesturing her to follow. With some tone adjustment, that could have been a pick up line for Lucina.

Morgan huffed, gesturing to her open journal. "Gerome, please be considerate when other people have to save two dimensions barely hanging by a thread through an unlikely alliance with universe-breaking travelers who they really don't trust at all."

Gerome didn't even flinch. He just folded his arms stubbornly, releasing a huff of his own that appeared to take physical form as tiny puff of dark smoke. Because, that's how. "I'd hate to get into conflict with the master of chaos, so let's settle this with the easiest method: who's the oldest and therefore highest authority between us? Me. Who had to endure long car rides with you when you were a baby? Me. Who gave you money for all those RPGs? Well, you took from my wallet so I'm associated."

"You are so full of yourself!" Morgan groaned, rising from the chair as if he had a point anyhow. Older siblings are just going to pull that act no matter how old, even if they were only born minutes apart. It's been a thing since the very first population, and it's never going away so live with it.

In the end, Morgan followed Gerome to just across the mini hall. It truly was a quick journey, one where she realized that since she'd seen a few bedrooms already... She hadn't seen his. There's reasons why one shouldn't make a habit of poking their nose in other's sanctuaries, but if Morgan cared about that she would've stayed away. Besides, if Gerome was actually interacting with her first he must have had intel.

Gerome glided into the room, Morgan on his heels much more casually. Just as she stepped over, he whirled around and had her face connect with door. It didn't hurt, but she was too shocked to step back as he peeked around with the aura over his eyes intensifying.

"You're actually beyond help if you think I'll let you in here." Gerome said grimly, still just holding the door as if he didn't believe she would just throw him aside and enter. "Wait for me to get what I'm looking for; if you come inside, I'll call the police and waste not only their time but Robin and Cherche will be mortified and stressed for a bonus."

Morgan rolled her eyes; none of that even deserved a verbal response. But Gerome's eyebrows raised as if understanding, and he shut the door and could be heard rummaging after that. She brought her phone with her at least, brightening up when she heard it ding.

Except, this wasn't anyone she actually wanted to hear from. As much as Morgan regretted giving the number to Anna, this was necessary if they were going to someday get back to their worlds.

I'm about to text you the address for the only department store unbothered by time in town; meet me at the doors with a certain attractive thief because if we met anywhere else it would look shady!

Don't tell your family where you're going; Robin might get involved and he'll ruin it.

What we're doing is going to get him and Chrom back in their bromance!

Morgan waited for the phone to ding again, this time with the address to this apparent department store. The name of the establishment censored for avoiding confrontation with the law. At the same time, "attractive thief"? The only one she could think to match that description was Inigo.

Because she admired his looks and... He stole her attention... Wordplay.

Gerome mercifully burst from his lair of edginess. "Never ask me for intel because this should make for years worth!" He was overloaded with disgust as he pretty much shoved the basic leather covered journal into her stomach.

Morgan dropped her phone, screen be damned. She dramatically lost her breath for a moment, brushing the cover and realizing how much it resembled something ugly their father might write in from her world because taste must be sacrificed in the age of war. When she flipped open a page, she was instantly ATTACKED with joy because the dates matched when Chrom and Robin would have either been in their last years of college or have been released. Did Gerome really violate their father's privacy for her sake? Her heart was bursting with pride.

Gerome just stood there, aura not being able to hide his reddening cheeks as he folded his arms. Guy looked like an embarrassed child or something, and he probably didn't realize. But that was okay; Morgan lunged at him with a very brief hug and her thanking his privacy violation mingled with his demon screeches.

Unfortunately, Gerome caught a glimpse of her phone screen during that hug. He warned her that it was quite a distance away in a moment that could have been recorded for history if Morgan wasn't in a hurry to get there. When Morgan attempted to merrily take off, loudly suggesting she'd drive Gerome bolted to her and acted as a barrier between her and the family car. He claimed she didn't have a license, therefore would be a physical manifestation of the apocalypse if on the road. From there, he could see no other option... Especially when Morgan, blatantly ignoring Anna's instructions, gave him a sweet smile and swayed cutely. Certainly, an older brother's job in this world could also be to escort their darling little sisters around. Said no older brother in real life ever, don't believe the lies they feed you.

Morgan in a vehicle with Gerome in the middle of the night with a soft rain coming down, the heater warming their souls due to both weather and Gerome's attitude and alternative music on the radio sounded like a punchline but that was just what was happening. And YES Morgan defied Anna and NO she wasn't going to apologize. Whatever happened was going to be for the sake of helping themselves because no matter what the power of friendship dictates... Only Robin and Chrom have the power to stay together though, realistically, friendships will waver and maybe even die.

Anyhow, Morgan had never been in a car before and had a burning compulsion to press every button she could find. Whenever she moved slightly in her seat, Gerome snorted like a bull to let her know he might pull some questionable move and drive into one of those trees that was unnecessarily planted in random spots on the bustling road as if meant to calm down the desire to kill with nature.

Morgan just pouted in return, going back to watching the atmospheric rain on the window. The town looked oddly enticing under the cover of night, and she was all for that. As they pulled up to their destination, a department store, Morgan's phone buzzed with a text from Anna and another from Inigo. She wasn't going to pretend that was even a conflict.

Sorry it took so long to respond... Um... How can I make telling you I want that so much, but I need to sleep not sound like I'm brushing you off? I believe you want to go on a compliment binge, but I do want to know if you really feel that way. I mean, like you're not just saying that because you remembered I am a little... Eager to have attention from the ladies. Except I haven't wanted to ask anyone out in a long time now because-

The alternative tunes could probably be heard even outside the car at the volume Gerome was turning it up, seemingly sensing the sentiment even on a phone screen and was trying to keep himself from becoming ill. Morgan gave him a glare from the side, though it definitely didn't match his in power at all as he just looked straight ahead at the light rain making a bold design if you look hard enough.

But Morgan had to know what Inigo was clumsily getting around to. Her other hand hovered in front of the rest of the message, her heart racing slightly. Wouldn't it have been great if he confessed his love and then accepted a marriage proposal on the spot? That's how it worked back home. Never mind the fact this world seems to value lack of communication which is SUPER unhealthy, and you can write that on a tombstone and not be out of context at all.

"ANSWER THE PHONE!" Gerome screeched like a creature crafted by the darkest arts when Anna decided to call instead. But at least he was considerate enough to lower the volume when she begrudgingly did.

"Hello, Anna." Morgan greeted, borrowing a bit of passive aggression. "I've arrived in big, red car in the third parking space in front of the department store. And yes, it's huge and impressive."

"I can see you!" Anna announced happily, followed by the sound of splashing. "I'm coming to your car as we speak; we're going to need it for regrouping and getting away fast! Will explain more when I'm there!"

"Wouldn't it be hilarious if I didn't unlock the doors?" Gerome suddenly asked to no one like his brand of humor was universal. Morgan didn't even want to respond to that, instead reaching to press the button herself.

There was a bluster in the next moment consisting of the back doors opening, two people letting out relieved gasps to move from chilly rain to warmth and Gerome squawking about how he'd gone all his teen years not being blamed for damage to the family car but now those "wet dogs" as he eloquently described were going to get the seats damp.

Morgan just turned around as much as she could, getting a glimpse of Anna and Gaius indeed shaking their soaked hair out of their eyes like dogs so that was just a casual observation. The first to recover was Gaius, who made himself at home by leaning forward and turning up the radio. He let a gentle smile cross his lips as he said something like he did someone for the first time to that song-

"LISTEN UP!" Gerome shrieked, only startling Anna and Gaius and making them straighten up perfectly in their seats. "I was dragged here against my will! I'm not your driver to any degree; paid or hostage! I will NOT try to escape the police or hide bodies or stolen property! All undesirables of society picked up by this vehicle are responsible for the damage they do to it, and you are officially forced to give me any contact information so I can chase you down ACROSS COUNTRIES if I have to for what hell you've raised!"

Anna, probably already baffled as to why she brought someone, just gave Morgan a confused glance while Gaius was quietly slipping a lollipop in his mouth seemingly just for comfort. Gerome was left coughing, rightfully out of breath for such an unnecessary outburst. He didn't have any way to know who these people were, right? Morgan bristled slightly at the thought that Gerome secretly knew whose counterparts they were and even was in on the alternate world being real too, but she also hated to think that because that would mean her own brother dismissed her spilling the truth that one time just to watch her look stupid trying to explain it. Terrible.

"This isn't a family member, is it?" Gaius asked suddenly, catching Gerome's death glare while casually pointing to him muffled by the lollipop. "Has the guy seen enough movies to know not to interfere with a job?"

"Job..." Morgan and Gerome both gasped at once in realization. Never mind the fact both of their companions in the backseat were dressed suspiciously in all black and layered outfits.

Anna sighed, throwing her head back like an annoyed child more than anything. "Should've known Morgan would be the rebel. That's my bad."

"Well, it's too late to turn back." Gaius cut in, taking Anna's hand in a way that looked accidentally romantic. Which she seemed to have her full attention on instead of his words. "Donnel only works here on the weekend, and we only have a few hours before his shift ends. Maribelle will be done visiting him before that happens."

"Don't tell me you're planning on kidnapping Robin's friends, freaks." Gerome muttered, glowering from a safe distance. Morgan couldn't tell if that was protectiveness for his father kicking in or just overall displeasure of their presence.

Anna regretfully released Gaius' hand to lean over to Morgan and attempt to pet a dodging Morgan's head as she explained her plan. It was very long-winded and actually ate up some of the time it would take to do whatever probably legal job they were going to carry out with the perfectly functioning married couple. Morgan had to admit she was curious to know if Maribelle was rich and Donnel still lived the farm life in this world. She also secretly hoped she wouldn't have to mend their relationship because, honestly, those two looked nothing but wholesome and adorable back home.

Anna was forced to activate exposition mode: she made a long and drawn-out explanation about how Maribelle was familiar enough with Chrom due to being BFFs with Lissa. But Lissa and Maribelle's unbreakable bond was surprisingly working out even in other worlds despite Chrom and Robin's SUPPOSEDLY being powerful enough to defy the latter dying. Some bond, right? If Anna's research was done right, that box in Chrom's bedroom was given to him by Maribelle as a birthday gift one year from the store that Donnel worked at. Donnel set the code for him, and his memory can be sharp so they should be able to ask him what it was. Anna truly had no way to know if the box was important, but admitted Morgan was right to suspect it.

"But why is Gaius here?" Morgan couldn't help asking, gesturing to the man himself.

Anna sighed as if she wasn't dealing with all-powerful Morgan. "I might be good with lockpicking and pickpocketing, but this handsome guy knows those tricks unfortunately even better than I do. See, it's practical for him to be here. BESIDES, we'll need to sneak into Chrom's bedroom again and someone familiar enough with him so he won't call the police if we're caught."

Morgan just stared blankly, gritting her teeth. She didn't want to admit that was logical.

As if sensing Morgan's thoughts Gerome, who had his hood down so he could grab handfuls of his hair in some kind of mental breakdown state, let out a pained sigh.

"You're all insane if you believe the absolute bullshit you're rambling about." Gerome murmured, dragging his hands down his face slowly. Beneath his aura he pulled at his eyes, cheekbones and corners of his mouth as if he needed to confirm he was in real life.

Gaius just gave Gerome a not at all comforting pat on the shoulder before opening the car door in sync with the ladies for no reason other than to be cool too. He also slipped him a twenty, insisting he find trouble in there while they go off on their scheme.

It should be noted that they thought everything ahead except what time to meet back up, um, whoops?

Since it was dark and the rain fell, Morgan didn't know just how close this building was in scale to a final boss hideout. She gladly fell into the fish out of water routine all over again, spinning as she walked to fully take in the sights, and no it wasn't just because she was disoriented from walking into the automatic doors just a moment before they activated. The building could contain, what, ENTIRE VILLAGES? Yet, there were barely any people in just the main room where the map and elevators were. The main room alone was lavish with a bunch of mini fountains that were unfortunately placed in ways to splash them just as they stepped in from the rain, the floor was sparkling tile like jars of sparkles exploded or something. No one asked for the color coordination, but they'll get it: everything was earth tones.

Anna gave herself the position of leader, and Morgan just had to pout about it while walking alongside Gaius in a weird formation. He tried to strike up fair weather chat, mentioning which stores had the best candy selection and how this place was much livelier when he was a teenager and stealing cakes from the bakery was how he got arrested for the first time. His nostalgia practically cast a warm, sunny glow around him.

The trio crowded into the elevator, although there was no whimsical way to describe that so we'll also transition badly to the part where they arrived at the correct floor and the shop they were intending to grace with their presence.

"We should play it cool." Anna told everyone, opening the lame manual door. "Don't cluster, linger in one spot too long, hum to fill the silence, talk about the weather or even speak unless addressed. But you're free to pretend to browse; Donnel will be compelled to help then, and that's when we strike."

"You two can leave Maribelle to me." Gaius suddenly spoke up, following Morgan past Anna a little too confidently. "We know each other from the time she saved me from getting wrongfully arrested, and I like to think I trigger her soft side just as much as her own husband sometimes."

"Why don't you just invite yourself into their relationship?" Anna asked in the most bitter voice Morgan ever heard from her, using too much force to shut the door once they were in. Gaius didn't seem to want to give that a verbal response, only laughing.

Morgan couldn't help but look at the two curiously, wondering if there was a chance...? Well, for whatever reason the world back home seemed desperate to keep Anna from having meaningful interactions with most people as if she only had enough room in her heart for money. But she didn't see why they couldn't have a fragile, temporary love story-

"YOU'RE TOO SENSITIVE!"

"DON'T SCREAM AT ME!"

"I AIN'T SCREAMING AT YOU! IT'S 'CAUSE OF YOU!"

"HOW VERY INTERESTING THAT I'M TRULY SEEING YOUR RUDE SIDE TONIGHT! BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, I SUPPOSE!"

"THINK WHAT YOU WANT! ALWAYS JUMPIN' TO CONCLUSION'S WITH YOU! ALWAYS NAGGIN'! BUT YOU'RE FLAWLESS, HUH?!"

"YOU USED TO TELL ME I WAS FLAWLESS! WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR PROPER ROMANCE?! WHAT HAPPENED TO US?!"

"DARN IT, MARIBELLE I JUST- I CAN'T DO THIS!"

Morgan joined Anna and Gaius in a perfect line flat against the shop windows as a steaming Donnel passed while Maribelle was making choked offended noise by the counter. He had an age boost like Nowi, under average height and scrawny with a retained baby face but was still obviously somewhere in the thirty range. He didn't cover his messy hair and wore a basic shirt and pants for work with a hideous lime green apron sporting his name tag and shop logo. When he stopped at the door, too upset to do a basic function like open it Morgan tried to offer a friendly smile and he just gave her a glance from the side like he hoped she ordered hot coffee and it was chilled on the first sip before taking his leave.

"Why are we letting him leave?" Gaius asked after a long moment, unintentionally making Maribelle snap her gaze to them from the seemingly useless item she was turning over in her hands.

"How about that weather, Maribelle?!" Morgan failed to greet casually, waving at the also aged up but not at all taller woman.

Maribelle growled, stuffing the item in her purse before stomping to them. If she wasn't trying to keep her composure, something was very wrong. As if shouting in the middle of your spouse's workplace is acceptable – they only got away with it because there wasn't any customers at the moment but the security footage was going to be wild out of context.

"That man has always harbored the potential to be a classic, elegant sort from days lone gone and yet he REFUSES to pursue it!" Maribelle exploded, face genuinely turning cherry red to accompany rage. "Look at him storming off like a child who hasn't gotten his way! Our Brady even had more dignity than that when he was THREE! Doesn't that go to show how terrible our world is?! Such a shame-"

"Maribelle!" Gaius cut in obviously desperate to make her stop shaking the shop, leaping to her and wrapping a bro-level arm around her shoulder while she made a disapproving sound and lightly shoved him.

"Just get a room." Anna murmured tragically, actually losing her smile.

"Anna, we are on a mission." Morgan corrected her with a weak swat to the arm. "I'll make a side mission to get you and Gaius set for blooming romance once my father and Chrom are in platonic love again!"

Anna didn't look convinced giving Gaius and Maribelle dagger eyes while the former's touchy-feely actions was making the latter eventually crack a smile obviously as she was deeply opposed to it. But it was hard for her to be truly upset with him teasing her a little, questioning why she went through with marriage in the first place when she had apparently always been one to hold her nose high at "shameless daydream-living" as she put it in a desperate attempt at eloquence.

But without a word, Anna grabbed Morgan's arm and yanked her back out of the shop after Donnel. It wouldn't be difficult to find an apron like that in a crowd, but Morgan was mostly suffering from the crushing pain in her arm. Purple hair and lime green turn out to make a combination; they backtracked to the elevator to find Donnel shoving his head beside the buttons and daring anyone coming up to press them again if they had the wrong floor.

Morgan took a big gasp, sweeping hair out of her eyes now that she had a chance. "What a rush! I think we moved so fast, if this were a book we would have skipped paragraphs of content-"

"Donnel!" Anna shouted, making the poor man cringe especially when she invaded his personal space nose to nose glowering. "I know better than anyone money makes any world function! You cannot exist without exchanging currency, so it's highly important to be at one's place of work getting it in the first place! Now I want you to go back in there and either make up or make out with your own wife so we can move on with our lives!"

Donnel peeked around her head, genuinely scared. Morgan knew she had to react, and hurriedly wrapped her arms around Anna and reeled her back with all the strength she could muster.

"Are you trying to prematurely end a narrative?! Wow! You suck at this relationship-mending thing-" Morgan was cut off by Donnel's deep sighs. Both she and Anna stopped struggling against each other, snapping their heads toward him although Morgan hadn't let go of her stomach area yet.

Donnel had his hands covering his nose, actually calming down as he released his emotions effectively. He was never the kind to get too emotional, so his outburst with Maribelle must have taken a toll. And he definitely looked regretful about something, backing up to the wall and sliding down smoothly as if calculated and not his newly lanky legs giving some trouble. Morgan let go of Anna, gesturing to him as to remind her the goal couldn't be forced and one needed empathy and understanding that only a bleeding heart like Morgan could understand all thanks to the ex exalt pointing that out. Self absorbed, not really.

Donnel covered his mouth with his hands, and Morgan and Anna had to lean their ears close just to get even bits of what he was muttering in disbelief. Something about assuming Maribelle hated him now, and his eyes had a telltale quiver and drops forming in the corners. And let's just get one thing out of the way that Morgan would have one believe otherwise accidentally; people can cry no matter what gender they are. Crying is a human emotion, and should one say they've never cried... Well, birth involves crying so those people who say no might be ghosts and you've permission to check for confirmation.

So yeah, Morgan decided to show Anna REAL empathy by dropping to one knee at Donnel's side. She was risking all kinds of infection because there was no chance crazy long floors like these were able to be sterilized every day. But she couldn't bear to see a couple break up and therefore affect her life somehow.

"Maribelle could never hate you." Morgan said confidently, fist pump for good measure. "Correct me if I'm wrong, as if I am, but you and Maribelle were totally willing to set aside the lifestyles you've known for nineteen years just to be together. She was willing to put on some overalls and feed pigs for you, while you were willing to put on a suit and remember the names of wine brands for her." And how Morgan had that information... How? She racked her brain, but couldn't recall her parents giving this info despite them being on decent enough terms with Donnel. That genuinely freaked her out.

But she could forget her terror with Donnel brushing his sleeve against his eyes, not covering up the smile he cracked. The fact Morgan knew personal information didn't seem to faze him, and rightfully so... IF she had reason to know. He had to take a large breath, but at least he didn't accidentally sob.

"There's a time, could never forget this, Maribelle asked me out on our official first date, so I got my friends to teach me fancy all night. Must've stayed up 'til the wine you mentioned kicked in 'cause we had to sample. Anyway, I learned fine dinin' and forgot all the breathin' parts when I thought how impressed she'd be..."

Anna lifted her sleeve to a watch there was no way she'd part with the cash to buy, sulking as Donnel took a pause to pull his knees close and drop his face in them. Even if a grown-up counterpart, he still acted like a lovestruck boy blushing and smiling his effing face off lost in memory.

"Well, I arrived at her super fancy mansion-looking home in Ma's old pickup..." Oh, he was still talking. "I'm feelin' outta place then, clammy and I probably wanted to die on the spot when she opened the door. She was so beautiful... Was really like, you ever see those romantic comedies usually aimed at teen girls? The guys always teased me for likin' 'em, but I do, and I'll scream it to the parkin' lot on a sale day if I have to. Anyway, Maribelle's standin' in the doorway perfect curls framin' her face and she's got this knee-length violet dress on and I'm- Goodness, I'm red, aren't I? Or the elevator caught fire again? Can never be too careful, but my mind still smokes just thinkin' the dress was elegant but bold and she was actually not trippin' in heels if you can believe that! But that's how impressive Maribelle is; she can wear the scariest heels and look..."

Morgan could sense Gerome's presence on the floor below them, aura radiating not Tharja's extent but damn close as he was scanning the jewelry display for something a twenty and credit card would get for Lucina. He probably felt a chill go down his spine having the strangest feeling that somewhere in this same building, someone was actually more pathetic than him in the romance section.

But make no mistake; Gerome didn't have the gift of Naga that was rather generously split between Morgan and Robin. Having the best father out of the potentials didn't give Gerome a free pass to be just like him. It's lame when your story's protagonist grows up and eventually has a child to be the sequel's protagonist just for them to be the same gender and therefore not have a new perspective, remember that grave lesson.

Although Morgan had to wince swearing she felt Gerome's gaze slow to a wedding ring. She choked on her own saliva, not at the thought of the guy entertaining such a fan- IDEA but rather... He seemed more the type to rebel against past society's obsession with matrimony just to be offended about something like his generation was known for.

"...So maybe you're right." Donnel finally admitted, lifting his head.

Morgan and Anna, who were resting against each other by that point, drowsily blinked and looked back to Donnel as he gained enough motivation to stand. He brushed the dirt from his apron, pumped his fists and looked ready to take on the world alongside them. Or at least show the love of his life their relationship was stronger than minor conflict.

"I got the sense you're powerful people!" Donnel told them excitedly, staring into their eyes as his own ignited sparks. "Help me find a way to communicate with Maribelle better, and I'll give a major discount to any item in the store! Will I get fired?! Heck yes! Worth it, though!"

"Have some pride in your work, Donnel." Morgan gasped, reaching out shakily and clasping his shoulders. "Even if your wife's rich AF, making money on your own is a wonderful feeling. Take it from me and my family's struggling coffee shop; we don't get as much customers because we don't have lattes, but-"

Anna pried Morgan off him, sliding between. She was radiating relief as she cradled a mildly surprised Donnel's hand as if about to deliver horrible news. "Discounts tend to win me over, but tonight we're only searching for information about the code for the storage boxes you sell. Like the one Maribelle gave to Chrom."

"Oh! Yeah, there's only so many combinations there could be but we're not going to resort to filler to find out!" Morgan added, pumping her own fists with renewed course on the plot.

Donnel looked back and forth between them, realization flooding his face. But at the same time, it didn't look good? He should have been on board, but instead his face screwed up with a different emotion than frustration. He almost looked like a kicked puppy. "You two don't care about my problem with Maribelle... You had one of them ulterior motives."

"Well, you don't have to say it like a fact." Anna murmured not-so-guilty.

Donnel, however, wasn't looking to be used and thrown away. He slowly stood, though he staggered as if stable land failed him. But it wasn't just stable land; potential helpers failed him judging by the way he looked so defeated.

"So that's it..." Donnel said as if in a trance, turning away from them. "No one can help. I'm gonna lose Maribelle for stupid reasons, and I don't want to be in love with no one but her and now I'll just be alone forever."

"Only if you keep a defeatist attitude." Anna commented, snorting at the end and receiving a horrified stare from Morgan.

This wasn't how it was meant to be, and Morgan wanted to cut in but she was frozen in terror as she watched Donnel bolt from them. Running away shouldn't be the normal coping mechanism in this world, but apparently it was becoming a trend. Anna just shrugged, and didn't even try chasing after as he disappeared down the row of shops and around a corner. There was time to catch up, and Morgan only snapped out of her shock and disbelief when Anna sighed casually.

"Oh, he was a lost cause to begin with. I trust Gaius can work with Maribelle." Anna tried to assure Morgan, reaching out as if to pat her on the head. Of course, Morgan flinched away feeling the heat radiate from her own eyes.

"Anna... We've only been 'working together' for a short time, but you stand right there and listen to my advice. Or scolding. Whichever point I reach first." Morgan couldn't believe she snarled, though Anna's briefly widening eyes showed she wasn't alone. Morgan stood as tall as she could and was chest-to-chest with the offensive party. "I know EVERYTHING about how amazing an ego boost can be. I know it's the BEST feeling in the world to save the day and be the only one credited. But when you help these suffering people, you need to learn to care about their problems even if you're using them as steps to get to the ultimate goal. When I make some silly people realize their marital struggles aren't even that bad and their relationship is stronger than that or make two friends realize platonic dealings are just as powerful as romantic love on occasion I do it because I can't imagine being in their stupid places."

Anna bit her lip and lowered her head as if ashamed like Morgan hoped she'd be.

Morgan huffed, unable to even look at her as well. She had flashbacks of the people she helped up to this point, thought about what where they'd be now if their problems weren't solved. Even if helping them wasn't possibly giving HER purpose and setting up a path to getting HER back to the appropriate world, she couldn't deny feeling sympathy for them. Vaike and Miriel, Virion and Sully... Even Nowi and Tharja were all seemingly unfitting duos but were powerful together. And if their problems hadn't been solved, not only would they be moving closer to an early grave because their stress would probably kill them but other people would be not necessarily affected critically... But totally annoyed by their dramatic reactions.

"The world we come from thrives on good relationships, too." Morgan finally spoke up again, lazily turning to Anna. She was surprised to see Anna lifting her head then. Was she getting through? On a roll, she went on. "The fate of the whole world was about to be determined by my father and Chrom's relationship just like you speculated. You can't make stuff like that up. Relationships are powerful; as petty mortals, we're all forced to struggle but we can make it easier by struggling together. And even though I'd like to punch you, honestly, I won't because I'm not a physical fighter... Also, I think we can work this out as quick as we teamed up in the first place."

"People always avoided me back in our world." Anna suddenly spoke up sadly? The fu- "I know I didn't make a good case for why I should join anyone's band of wannabe heroes by only caring about profits, but I think I had a lot to offer with my sword or healing... Even my business skills. But I think when I tried to come off quirky and charming, I ended up looking like an asshole. I winked, teased, laughed to their face at their attempts to tell a dramatic story by the fire and eventually decided the lone wolf life was... Decent. I don't like being alone, but I also do find people hard to bond with. And then I ran into Chrom and thought as a noble he'd die in the final fight and I could loot his rich corpse and run."

Morgan just stared at her, feeling her eyes widen specifically at the corpse-looting part. Anna gave her a weak attempt at her normal smile, before looking to the ceiling both to laugh at this whole situation and because that's just a weird quirk people do when faced with awkwardness.

"I don't particularly enjoy traveling with the Shepherds, but you're not the worst group I could have been genuinely welcomed into. I feel like you all have more personality to make up for my shortcomings there, and even though none of you understand the value of gold as much as I do and pass that up for stupid temporary boosts in your battle zone treasure chests... It does feel like one big dysfunctional group you might see in one of the TV shows in this world that swear to Naga ten seasons isn't nine too many."

Morgan nodded slowly as if she was deep, not really feeling sorry for her anything but... She could relate in places. She liked how the Shepherds attempted to be normal, but nothing about these clashing personalities would make their interactions sensible. It was great. She was glad that her parents were stuck in them. She was glad to have been rescued from the temple. And maybe she was even glad that Anna, while not one of her most favorite people right now, was trying to reason with her.

"But we're not friends." Anna said with the grace of a critical attack. "This is a temporary partnership at best, and spilling my heart helps win you over then so be it."

"Yeah, we don't have to be friends." Morgan was pleasantly surprised to agree, folding her arms behind her head casually. "I'll even tell you all the sentimental feelings I keep in my head if that helps provide filler until we can catch Donnel or Maribelle in a trap!"

"You might be speaking sense for a change."

"Pretty sure sense is my main language, but don't let me nitpick..."

TBC