± fifteen ±

[not_that_lockon]

[This is probably not the Lyle you are looking for. When the sphere switches on, it looks like Lyle's the latest to be hit by the no-holds-barred anomaly extravaganza that's going on at the moment - so, dear Crucible passengers, you currently have a twelve-year-old on your hands who looks about 3 parts lost and uncertain and one part unimpressed.

Oh, and that Ulster accent of his? Is even thicker than it usually is.]

Neil? Amy? Where are you guys? If this is some sort of prank, it's not very funny. And you didn't have to steal my clothes.

[He folds his arms, the sleeves of his oversized top having been rolled up so he can use his hands better. He's also looking a lot more nervous now that he's not getting a response.] Come on, guys, you can come out now!

Comments

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

[Okay, that impressed him for certain. His jaw drops open as it takes off, and when they get there, he has a genuine grin on his face]

Okay, that was cool.

[oliverplus]

[grins] Thought you'd say that. All right, let's find you some clothes! [reaches for his hand again as he starts off the transportation pad]

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

[And this time he moves his hand away, because yeah, no way.]

You don't need to hold my hand.

[oliverplus]

...oh. [but you're a kid! it's automatic!] Sorry. [scratches his head] So. To the shops, then?

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

[He is twelve, which means he's grown up now, how can you not realise this. :|]

[nods!] Sure.

[oliverplus]

You lead the way! [gestures ahead. after all, if he wants to act like an adult, Oliver can play along]

[in fact, he might be so absorbed in playing along that he doesn't notice the flowers around him are starting to wilt]

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

Okay! [is clearly rather pleased about being asked to do that, and starts exploring!]

[oliverplus]

[follows him, but stops as the flowers continue to fade away. stares down at them, putting a hand to his head, expression confused]

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

[Turns around when Oliver stops, looking confused]

Are you okay?

[oliverplus]

Uh...yeah. Yeah, I am now, I think. [scratches his head, regarding Lyle for a moment with concern. he probably shouldn't have him out here, but since they're here already...] Let's get you some clothes. Keep going, and let me know when you see a store you like, okay? [tries to smile reassuringly]

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

Okay. [looks at him a bit doubtfully] Are you sure you're alright? You look a little down.

[oliverplus]

Yeah. I am, really! [his smile is more genuine this time, at least in its relief. he's getting over his shock and mortification at the thought of what he's been up to lately. and he knows he needs to have his wits about him if he's to take good care of little Lyle] I was just surprised those flowers disappeared. But it's a good thing, so don't worry.

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

Oh. [Looks mildly surprised - he hadn't noticed they'd gone!]

Hey, they are gone. What happened to them?

[oliverplus]

[half to himself] They stopped causing trouble for the moment...

Don't worry about them. We've gotta find a clothes store for you, remember?

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

Yeah!

Uhmm... how about this one? [Points out a clothes store on their right that looks pretty casual]

[oliverplus]

Okay, go on in and decide what you want! [smiles encouragingly]

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

[walks in and takes a few minutes or so to pick out a hoodie and a pair of jeans, but he doesn't make any move to put them on yet, instead looking a bit confused.]

Don't I have to pay for these?

[oliverplus]

Don't worry, your barcode will take care of that! Just scan it over there when you're done, and you can take whatever clothes you want.

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

I have a barcode? [Yes, that's right, he really didn't notice it earlier...]

[oliverplus]

Yeah, you should. See, there on your hand. [almost reaches out to take his hand, but thinks better of it and just points]

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

[Looks at his hand, looking a bit clueless]

Weird. Can I really use this to buy stuff?

[oliverplus]

Yeah! Go on, give it a go now, if you want.

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

Well, okay... [and goes to scan the barcode]

That's it, right?

[oliverplus]

Yep, now that stuff is yours! But is that all you want?

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

I just wanted to try it out.

[and so he goes back and gets a couple t-shirts, another pair of jeans and another hoodie just to top it off a bit.]