A/N: Thank you all so much! I adore you all. I really appreciate your love for this fic and the attention you've given it. I can't tell you how much I adore getting your reviews and hearing your thoughts. Thank you. I hope you enjoy this chapter too.

I cannot describe to you the joy I have to tell you about the fanedits that have been made for this fic by LadyLiv! Check them out on youtube "v=c2a8fQdQCE4" and tiktok ending in "ZMMLtXvbX" and "ZMMLt9Rmy". Also, some amazing fanart on my tumblr "asirensrage" by Imstressed at tumblr "asirensrage/ 690749574266175488/ hi-sorry-i-didnt-see-your-reply-until-just-now". (I hope these half-links work)

Chapter 52

I looked down at El. Her hands were clenching and she was shifting slightly in her nervousness wearing her favourite outfit, a glittery kitten wearing sunglasses on a tie-dye background and bright yellow shorts. She'd said it made her feel fancy and brave. "Are you sure you want to do this today?" I asked. We were going to use the excuse of my babysitting her while coming to check on Barb to get us in. From what I had heard, Barb's parents were a bit paranoid about their daughter being out of their sight and interacting with new people. I couldn't blame them.

"Yes. I have to."

"Okay. Come on, let's go." I led the way up the path to the house. Deanna had given me the address with a kiss on the forehead for being caring. I knocked once we reached the door and I felt El's hand reach up and clutch at the back of my shirt. I looked over my shoulder and smiled at her. "It's alright."

The door opened and I recognized Barb's mother who smiled as soon as she recognized me. "Kate!" She moved forward and pulled me into a hug. I froze for a moment, taken by surprise but hugged her back. I suppose being the person who helped bring her daughter back put me in her good books. Even if I didn't technically do anything but help her shower.

"Hi, Mrs. Holland!" I said, hugging her back. "I hope it's alright I stopped by."

"Of course!" She pulled back and smiled at me, her eyes watering slightly.

I motioned El forward, just enough to catch attention. "I also hope you don't mind that Jane's with me? I'm looking after her today for Hopper."

"Oh, of course not," Mrs. Holland smiled at El and offered her hand. "It's nice to finally meet you."

"You too," El said softly, shaking her hand. I reached back and squeezed her arm lightly in reassurance. Everything was okay.

"Come on in," Mrs. Holland stepped back and ushered us in. "Barb and Billy are in the living room watching a movie." Ah, good.

"Thank you." I took off my shoes, waited for El to do the same and then went in search of the others.

I heard the TV before I got into the room. El stayed behind me as we got to the doorway. Barb was curled up in the corner of a couch. Billy was sitting on an armchair that was pushed up next to an open window. I was surprised they let him smoke in the house, but apparently saving Barb and her subsequent attachment to him gave him a lot of leeway. Barb probably lost it when he stepped outside to smoke. At least it gave them more privacy from the press and nosy neighbours.

He saw me first. "Kate!" He somehow looked worse than before.

"Hey Billy, Barb. How's it going?"

"Tammy," I looked over at Barb. She uncurled herself a bit. "You're…you're here."

"I am," I nodded. "I brought a friend. That okay?"

Her eyes slid over to El. She glanced at Billy before she nodded. "Billy said you go by the name Kate now?"

"Yeah. Based off my middle name."

"Why did you change it?"

I shrugged. "I was thinking of using it as a stage name. It just stuck." I considered moving forward to sit next to Barb, but based on the way she kept glancing at Billy, I figured she didn't want any strangers that close to her. I looked over to Billy, noting the giant bags under his eyes and the way his hand was shaking as he took a drag of his cigarette. I stepped toward him before I could stop myself. "Are you okay?"

"Stellar, Peaches. Can't you tell?"

"You look like shit."

"Aw, and here I thought you cared," he sneered as he said it. I nearly snapped back before I realized it was a familiar defence mechanism.

"We're friends, aren't we?" I asked. His eyes widened and he stubbed out the cigarette into the ashtray that was beside it. I was surprised it fit with the amount of butts already in there.

"Yeah," he finally said. "Don't worry about it, Queenie. Just dealing with some shit."

I moved closer, aware that El had taken the initiative to talk to Barb as I did so. "What kind of shit? Parental or…?"

"I'm fine," he said again.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

He scoffed but shook his head. "No. It's just–"

"No!" He was interrupted by Barb snapping loudly. We both turned to see what was happening and Billy pushed himself up off of the chair. Barb was curled as far back from El as she could get without leaving the couch.

"What's wrong?" I asked, stepping away from Billy and closer to the couch. El looked like she was about to cry. "What happened?"

"Get out," Barb said.

"What?"

"GET OUT!"

El scrambled up and ran towards me. I curled an arm around her, holding her against my back. "Yeah, okay," I said, glancing at Billy who moved towards Barb.

"Go, Peaches. We'll talk later."

Barb's mom comes barrelling in and I ushered El out of the house. The faster we leave, the faster I can figure out what I missed.

"I didn't mean–I was just–" El panicked.

"Shh, it's okay." I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led her away from the house. "What happened?"

"I just…I tried to apologize. For not finding her."

"Ah." I hadn't been paying attention as I was talking to Billy. I should have. "And she didn't take it well."

"No…she was angry."

I sighed. "Don't worry about it. She's likely still recovering. Don't take it too hard, okay? It's good that you apologized but you gotta remember that even if someone apologizes, you don't have to accept it. Or you may need some time while you're hurting before you're willing to accept it, and that's okay too. Unfortunately they're not magic words that fix everything." El nodded and stared at her feet, but she leaned in closer. I rubbed her arm and gave her a small smile. "I know it's not easy, but trust me. It'll be okay."

I leaned back against the counter. "I don't know, I'm worried about her."

"The kid? Or Barb?" Robin was leaning over next to the cash register, her elbows propped up and holding up her chin with one of her hands. Steve was arguing with one of the kids who was trying to convince him that they wanted a free sample of every flavour.

"Both," I said before I pushed myself off of the glass I was leaning on and heading towards the children in question. "Hey, what's going on?"

The group of kids, the leader of which I note is Erica, and Steve all turn to face me. It would have been creepy if I didn't call out with my approach.

"She's trying to make me shell out samples instead of just buying one!" Steve ran his hand through his hair.

"I'm a customer," Erica said. "We're always right."

"That's not actually how the quote goes," I winced as I said it. "It's the customer is always right in matters of taste, not in abusing the system to get free shit."

"Ha! Exactly!" Steve pointed at the kids. I raised my eyebrows at the reaction and he pulled back.

"I'm allowed to get a sample," Erica argued back.

"Sure," I nodded. "But that's generally set to encourage people to buy the ice cream. You're treating the staff here like they owe you for coming into the store just so you can scam them out of it. That's not fair, on them or you. You and your friends are better than that."

Erica looked at me like I betrayed her. "Well, nobody asked you to stick your ugly nose in it."

I inhaled sharply, reminding myself that I was dealing with a child. "You're right," I said. "But tell me, do you think this whole thing is something you can proudly and honestly tell your mother about? Because if not, maybe it's time to reconsider how you're treating people."

Erica scowled and she turned to glare at Tina and her other friends who were snickering behind her.

"Out!" Steve called out, looking unimpressed and sounding more serious than he usually did. "You're all banned from the store."

"What?!"

"For a week," he amended it. "And if you try to come back before then, remember I know your parents and babysitters. I'll tell them exactly what you've been up to here."

They all grumbled but left and I pretended I didn't hear them talking to each other as they went.

"Jesus," Steve ran a hand through his hair again. "I'm sorry, Kate."

"For what?" I shrugged. "I've been called worse by people older…and younger." I grinned at him. "They'll learn."

"You know this might not have happened or even been necessary," Robin piped up and I turned to face her. "If Stevie had pulled his sailor shorts up and dealt with it instead of needing to be rescued."

"What exactly is your problem?"

She looked surprised that I asked. "What?"

I moved closer. "What's the problem? Because you're being a bitch and I know it's not the first time with Steve, so what is it?"

"I don't have a problem."

"Then you need to figure out what it is because you're being mean and honestly? I don't want to be here if all I'm going to hear is this. It's like I said to those kids, you don't treat people this way. You should know better." I looked back at Steve before I waved to them. "I'm gonna go. I'll talk to you guys later."

I lay on the bed, head hanging over the side as I stared at the Wham! Poster on the wall. I really needed to redecorate. At least bring it more to my style…I needed to do it slowly though. So it wasn't an abrupt change. It would be easier if I had Robin to help but after the whole thing at the mall, she hadn't really been speaking to me. I still met with Steve occasionally when he dropped by at night, but it wasn't the same. I was bored and admittedly lonely.

There was a knock on the door.

"Yeah?"

The door opened and it wasn't Deanna as I expected. Instead, Veronica stood there. I rolled onto my stomach and looked up at her. "Hey! I wasn't expecting you!"

"You're not busy, are you? I figured I'd stop by and see if you're home."

"I am so not busy, there's no way I could be less busy."

"Great! Want to get burgers and milkshakes and chill? I know a primo place outside town and I kind of got something I need to say."

Well, my interest was piqued. "Sure. Who's driving?"

We ended up taking her car with the promise that whatever she wanted to talk about wasn't that bad and wouldn't leave me stranded there.

The diner was one that I had passed on the way to and from Prince with Robin. It seemed weirdly fitting that we were going there considering I seemed to be on rocky terms with Robin again. Maintaining friendships was hard, especially when you couldn't text each other constantly. It was sometimes easier to admit things in text than in person, especially apologies.

We sat down in a booth and made small talk about her prep for University until we ordered. Once we both had our milkshakes in front of us, I decided to just ask what this was all about.

"So what's up? You said you wanted to say something?"

"Yeah, I mean, don't worry, I just feel a bit mental about it."

"...about what?"

She sighed and put an elbow on the table, resting her head in her hand propped up by it. "It's this whole thing with Robin. I just feel all twisted up about how I acted after mini-golf. I got jealous from what she did and I've been totally neglecting our friendship which sucks. It's not your fault that I wigged out on her because I know she's just…we're struggling with the fact that I'm leaving town. I just…wanted to clear the air, y'know? I'm sorry for ditching you."

"Oh!" Was it bad if I admitted that I hadn't really noticed? There was so much going on, especially with El and Billy and Barb that it had…it totally slipped my mind. "Don't worry about it. I mean it," I stressed when I saw her about to protest. "There's no hard feelings. I figured you were busy getting ready for college and were spending as much time as you could with Robin."

"Really?"

"Really, we're solid."

"Okay great! Because I missed you, and totally not because of the drama I missed in your life."

I laughed at that. "Sure…" I teased. "So what's been happening with you? Are you ready to move?"

"Kate, I am so ready to jet but…I'm also scared. You think that's normal?"

"Very. So very normal."

While things had been cleared up with Veronica, I still hadn't heard from Robin. It hurt, but I suspected she was dealing with the changes that were happening. Especially the fact that Veronica was leaving. I didn't have too much time to dwell on it. My days were filled with work, martial arts, looking after El and dealing with the townsfolk and journalists who had yet to give up on the news about Barb. It was mainly the same rags who wrote about Batboy and Elvis being alive.

"You alright?"

I looked up at Eddie and took the bottle of coke he was holding out in offering. We were in my backyard. My parents were hosting a barbecue not only for my friends but the adults I knew as well. Of course it was being presented just as an opportunity for the adults to get together and get to know each other. Honestly, I was a little surprised we had enough space. If anyone else in the family gained more friends, we were going to have a problem.

"Yeah, thanks," I smiled.

He plopped down in the chair next to me, facing the group. Will and El were talking together at one of the tables while Hopper redirected Joyce away from them to sit together. Sam had control of the grill and seemed to be in some deep discussion with Steve over how to cook a burger. At least I assumed that's what it was. Steve looked like he was seriously considering the information given.

Veronica had corralled Carl and Manny into taking Eddie's friends under their wings. The Hellfire boys looked a little stunned but seemed to be enjoying it. It was nice to see people actually interacting with those they likely wouldn't have on their own. The only one missing was Robin but according to Steve, she was working and would have been unable to make it anyways.

"It's weird, right?"

"Hmm?" I looked back to Eddie. He was gazing out at the crowd the same way I was.

"Never thought I'd see Hellfire mixing with the good citizens of Hawkins like this."

I laughed. "Who? Veronica?"

"Not just her, but everyone. We're so used to people looking at us like we're a bunch of freaks."

"Give them a chance, with a little patience they might surprise you." I grinned at him.

"Well, you haven't been wrong yet."

I sighed and leaned back in the chair. "Yes, I have. I just admit my mistakes….and try to learn from them."

"How's that working out for you?"

I thought back to Robin. "It's an ongoing process."

"Yeah, it always is. What's the deal with Harrington?" He nodded towards the barbecue. "He and your dad close?"

"Not as far as I know," I laughed. Maybe he was just starved for parental attention. I couldn't blame him. Based on what he told me about his folks, the Thompsons were downright saints.

"-doesn't act like other kids, does she?"

"Well, what do you expect with a mother who gets herself wrapped up in something like a cult? No wonder she doesn't know how to behave like normal people and make some proper friends…"

Eddie and I both turned at the voices behind us. The women hadn't noticed us. They were looking at El and Will. I barely glanced at Eddie as I stood up.

"You take the harpies and I'll protect the kids?" He asked, joining me.

"Sounds good."

I was tempted to deal with the women myself but I suspected that their comeuppance would have more of an impact from a peer rather than a teenager. I did the next best thing. I went to Deanna.

"Hey mom," I said softly as I slipped up next to her. A quick glance told me Eddie had approached Will and El. "The women there, you know them?"

That fully drew her attention away from the conversation she was on the edge of. She looked over and nodded. "Yes, is there a problem?"

"They were talking about Jane and how it's no surprise she can't behave like normal people because of how she was raised."

Deanna's eyes narrowed. "Jane?"

"Yeah. They were blaming her mother."

"Stay here. I'm going to have a quick chat with our guests."

I grinned and nodded, watching as she stalked off. It was clear where Tammy got her viciousness from and I had a feeling this was going to be glorious. I took a sip of my drink and waited.

"You're Kate, right?"

I looked over at the new voice. One of the women my mother had been talking to was now standing next to me. She was looking towards the confrontation. "I am." I waited for the eventual comment about the new name or attitude, or even questions about Barb.

"My niece was telling me about you." She motioned to our right and I looked over to see Chrissy talking to one of the Hellfire boys, Jeff. "Said you and your friends helped her out at a party when her boyfriend, Jason, was being…" she cut herself off.

"A dick?" I offered.

She laughed at that. "Something like that," she nodded. "Thanks for looking out for her. It really made an impression. She looks up to you a lot."

"No problem? Girls need to look after other girls, right?"

"Right. It doesn't help that her sister has been off to college and Chrissy's been left alone with…my brother's wife." That was an interesting term.

"Take it you're not close?"

"Nope, but we're family, so what can you do?"

I thought back to my last family, the one before I woke up as a Thompson. She had a point. "That's true."

"I'm Lucy," she offered her hand out.

"Kate," I said as I shook it. "Which you already knew…"

"I did, but it's nice to meet you. Properly."

"You too."

We spoke a little further, mainly about my plans for the next year, before her name was called. We both looked to see her sister-in-law leaving with Chrissy in tow. Lucy rolled her eyes but said goodbye and followed after them.

"What's that about?" Steve sidled up next to me, hands shoved in his pockets.

"Don't know, but it might have to do with whatever my mom said to them after I sent her their way when I heard them make some comments about El."

Steve frowned and looked towards the girl in question. I followed his gaze to see her smiling and looking like she was happily interrogating Eddie. Will was chiming in, smiling widely as he helped explain whatever they were talking about.

"That's not right, she's a sweet kid who's had it hard enough."

"Yeah." I looked over at him. "Question for you…"

"Hmm?" He turned to face me.

"Are you using me for my father?"

"What?!"

I burst out laughing at the expression on his face. "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. Learning how to cook?" I nodded towards my dad at the grill.

"Oh! Uh, yeah. Sam–your dad is great. He's been helping me out the last few months."

"What? Since when?"

He ran a hand through his hair, trying not to shift in place. "Uh, they thought we were…together?"

I frowned, confused as I tried to remember it. I had stayed out late talking to Steve. "Oh. Oh! Right, that was…wasn't that like six months ago?"

"Yeah."

"Steve!" We both turned to look at the new voice. Dustin was striding forward, his mother left behind to greet the others. "Sonovabitch, there you are! Do you see what I'm being subjected to? Hey Kate." He waved to me before focusing back on Steve. "I'm barely home an hour before I'm dragged to this bullshit potluck to meet some creep who's after my mom! You hear about the magnetic thing?"

I stared flatly at him for a moment, well aware that he knew this was my house. He had banged on my door for help before. I looked over at Steve. "I'll leave you two to catch up," before heading over to check if Sam needed anything. I heard a smack and a quiet "ow" as I crossed the yard.

"I don't know what I'm going to do. I swear to god, Kate, if I have to deal with the disrespect that boy shows and worse, teaches El to show, I'm going to shoot him. No one could stop me."

I leaned against the bannister of the cottage and looked at Hopper. "Pretty sure there'd be some people who'd be upset at that. Besides, you don't want to lose your pension and add to the statistics of shit cops who use violence first on a kid."

"You gotta talk to her. Please. Because I swear I've tried everything but she's not hearing me. Maybe you can get her to see sense."

I smiled softly. It was kind of adorable to see how much Hopper had fallen into the role of being El's dad. As if they were always meant to find each other. "Sure," I said. "I can do that."

"If you manage to talk some sense into them, I swear, I'll give you anything you want."

"Including a get out of jail free card?" I asked, perking up at the idea.

He gave me a flat look. "What are you planning on doing that you need one?"

"Nothing you can prove," I teased. "I'm kidding," I said after a moment. "I don't need anything." I gave an exaggerated dreamy look as I put a hand on my chest. "Oh to be young again."

"...you are young."

"I know," I smirked.

"Alright, I got to go to work. Watch them? He's probably going to show up when I leave."

"I promise to let her get pregnant while you're gone!"

He pointed a finger in my face. "Not funny."

I laughed, unable to resist teasing Hopper as he stormed off. Despite what I said, we both know I'll keep my word and talk to the two kids. Or at least El.

I knocked on El's door once Hopper was gone and leaned on the frame as I waited for her to answer. There was a soft click before the door opened slowly, but she stopped it from opening more than her body could cover and I tried not to smile at the implication.

"Hi Kate," she greeted, still keeping the door close to her.

"Hi El. What are you up to?"

"Um, studying?" She said it like a question, but the fact that I could hear something else scuffling in her room told me everything I needed to know. Hopper wasn't wrong about how fast Mike would appear once he was gone. It made me wonder if he had snuck in while we were talking on the porch.

"I'll give you a moment, but I'd like to talk to you and Mike, okay?"

Her eyes widened. "Mike? But–"

"Come on, El." I gave her an unimpressed look. "I promise it's nothing bad and I'm not angry that he's here. I just want to talk to you guys. When you're ready, come out into the living room. You too, Mike!" I called out the last part, already aware that he could hear me but trying to make sure he didn't just run off. Oh well. Even if he did, El wouldn't.

I took the chance to start a pan of tater tots and wash the dishes while they decided how they were going to come out, or if they even wanted to. I figured the fact that I wasn't just standing around waiting for them would ease some of the tension. It's always awkward to have any conversation with someone you look up to, especially if you think you're in trouble. At the very least the food would likely lure them out.

I was nearly done and the food was pulled from the oven when the bedroom door finally opened and they both crept out. I tried not to laugh, especially with the expression on their faces. "Take a seat," I motioned to the room. "I'm just about done."

I placed the last dish on the rack before scooping the tots onto a plate that I proceeded to put in front of them. The two of them were sitting beside each other on the couch. I dropped to sit on the floor so I wasn't looming over them.

"I'm sorry!" El said quickly, taking me by surprise. Mike scoffed and both of us looked at him as he rolled his eyes.

I couldn't stop the frown in return, but I focused back on El. "For what?"

"For lying," she said, looking ashamed. "Friends don't lie."

"It's alright. Thank you for apologizing." I looked between them. "I don't mind that Mike is here, but I'd rather he come in through the front door instead of sneaking in. That's not a good way to build trust in your relationships, not just between each other but with me and Hopper as well."

"He hates me!" Mike exclaimed. "He keeps trying to keep us apart."

I couldn't deny the accusation of hate considering my last conversation with the man, but I had to get them to think. Teens were notorious for being self-involved, myself included. It was hard at that age to realize how life actually worked and the impact you have on others. "Why do you say that?"

"He lied to me about knowing El was back! And he's always making her stay out here alone and won't let us be together!"

"Have you considered the reasons why he didn't say anything?" I asked blandly. "Because I know at first it had to do with her safety, so are you really upset that he refused to compromise her safety just so you could see her sooner? And she's not out here alone. I've already spoken to Hopper about this and you should know, if the two of you are together then you should be communicating, but El spends a good majority of her time with me or at my house with my parents. She's made friends with Max and had her first sleepover, she's not locked away here. We have a story in place so that she can go out in public and go to school in September. Half of my time with her is preparing her for that."

He falls back to lean against the couch, arms crossed over his chest. He's trying to refuse to pout and I have to consciously ensure I don't point it out because he really won't listen if he's embarrassed. I buy myself a minute and indulge in some carbs while El is watching the two of us and munching on the snack.

"Look, I get that it's exciting to have a relationship, to be able to spend this time together, but you have to consider the others in your lives as well. I'm not just talking about the disrespect you show your adopted father when you sneak Mike in or don't listen to his side of things or when Mike's parents don't know where he really is. I'm talking about spending time with your friends as well. The two of you have all the time in the world and while you should take the chance to actually get to know each other and what you both like and don't like, you also need to enjoy the world."

"You don't get it."

"I do," I said. "I'm not that much older than you right now," I ignored the look from El as I said that. "But if you want to be treated as someone old enough to be responsible, you have to show it. That means listening to what the people around you are saying. No one is telling you that you can't spend time together, but you need to respect the rules of the house and use those lips to talk to each other, not just for kissing." El giggled at that, covering her face as she tried to hide her blush. "Don't keep your blinders on to the rest of the world. Get it?"

"Got it," El agreed, nodding sharply.

"Yeah, sure," Mike said. I had the feeling he wasn't taking me seriously, but that was fine. It was more important that El understood. An idea came to mind and I clapped my hands together, grinning at them.

"Great! Let's practice."

"What?!"

I tried not to cackle in response. "We're going to practice respecting some boundaries. Cool?"

Mike scrunched up his face, but El seemed more interested. "How?"

"Well, first thing we're gonna do is have Mike take a step outside and come knock on the door. That way he's not sneaking in and he can ask if you're available."

"That's stupid," Mike said, before he turned to El. "Tell her that's stupid."

"You've roleplayed defeating a fictional creature," I pointed out. "I think you can handle pretending to be a polite young man, don't you?" I bit back the rest that I wanted to say. It wouldn't help the point I was trying to make. I did make a mental note to tell Steve about this though. He'd find it hilarious.

El touched his arm. "Come on, let's try."

"Fine." Mike stormed out of the cottage, the door slamming behind him.

I looked at El. "That's a little excessive." When he knocked though, I winked at her. "Ready?" I waited for her to nod before heading to the door.

He knocked again when I finally answered it, keeping a foot behind the door and opening it only as far as El opened her bedroom door to me. I looked around behind him before I focused on Mike. He didn't say anything for a moment so I tried to prompt him. "Yes?"

He glared up at me. "Is El here?" El giggled behind me.

"She is," I nodded.

There was a beat of silence before Mike huffed again. "Can I see her?" A quiet 'please' rang out behind me and I raised my eyebrow at him needing the reminder. "Please?" he asked.

"Now is not a good time," I said. "We're currently going over some schoolwork. Does she have your number? I can get her to call you after and you can schedule to meet up."

"Oh come on! I'm already here!"

Both of my eyebrows rose at the frustration he showed. "I get you're upset, but we're busy. She has plans with me today. She can meet you later or you can come back when her dad's home." That made him scowl at me. I had another idea. One that would test El. "Hold on. Let me get her and you two can arrange a time to meet later, okay?" He looked like he'd say no but he surprised me with a nod. "Wait here." I closed the door and turned to face El. "I know you want to hang out with him today, but we're supposed to be going over some more school stuff. Your dad's not home, but you can schedule something later with Mike and I can help you arrange it with Hopper and give you guys a ride too if need be. Sound good?"

She nodded and I motioned her to the door. I stood off the side as I listened to her lay down some boundaries with her unhappy boyfriend. I bit my lip, making sure I stayed silent as he complained but El stayed firm and Mike left.

When she closed the door, looking a bit conflicted, I dropped my hand on her head. She looked up at me. "Proud of you, Sparkles."

"Yeah?" Her eyes were wide as she asked.

"Yeah," I nodded. "Come on, let's get this work done so we can do something fun after, okay?"

"Okay!"

[tbc]