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// Will get to more replies later! My wrist is killing me at the moment. But I will get to what I owe in the next day or two! //

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When Maggie places a hand on her cheek, Benn allows her own to fall to her shoulders. Her eyes searching every detail of Maggie's words. Allowing them to sink in. When her thumb is placed by her lips she almost is tempted to bite at it. Though she holds back by kissing it instead. A smile appear as she pulls her closer for a hug.

Benn stays like that for a while, clinging to Maggie close as if to stay in this moment for as long as she could. Though she pulls back after a while, giving Maggie a quick kiss on the lips before kissing random parts of her face.

Benn pulls away with the biggest smile as she brings their intertwined hands together and gives Maggie's knuckles a quick kiss. "So... since you are mine now.. does this mean I can show up at your work for mid day kisses to show off your are taken?" A smirk on her lips as she begins to back up and walk them towards the cabin. "Because I'd so let you show up to mine. Unless we are keeping this a secret?"

Maggie had certainly understood Benn's meaning, after that kiss how could she not. So as Benn frets, her gaze just lingers. Now she was confused. Had she said the wrong thing? Maybe she'd been the one to misunderstand Benn...

"That's okay. Take a breath and then when you're ready just say it." She's patient. Of course she is. It had been a long time for her too. Although she had to admit, it was nice to see a blush adorning Benn's face for a change. It looked cute on her.

Maggie watches silently as Benn rambles, capturing each word. Oh yeah she did mean what she thought. A grin slowly begins to form on her face. Seeing Benn flustered certainly made a change... One that wasn't entirely unwelcome. When Benn reaches a stopping point, Maggie places her on hand on Benn's cheek - her finger moving to fall on Benn's lips as if to steady her to a stop. "Benn. I would love to be your girlfriend and do all the romantic stuff that well... Couples do. So yes... I will be your girlfriend."

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"Alright I won't worry too much." Benn looks over at Maggie as patting the arm of the chair. "I just want to make a good impression Besides Bucky won't scare me off. I can read a person real well you know that." Benn can't help but laugh as she places a hand on her ribs. "Besides I'm all injured and hurt so the meds are probably messing with my head." Benn thinks for a moment, a look of confusion on her face before she sits up a bit.

"I never asked how you got here? I passed out when I got home... I think this is my home? Unless.." Benn leans back in the chair and covers her face as letting out a groan. "Don't tell me I found your place instead Maggie?"

"You don't say." Maggie chuckles. Not that she could talk, the Starling certainly had her reckless moments. Sometimes working in her favour... Sometimes not... "Oh really? I might take you up on that." A wide smile lights up her face, a brief blush lighting her cheeks. Benn always had a way of having that affect on her.

"A safe word? Alright. I wouldn't worry too much, Sam might be a softy but he's not that sensitive." Maggie chuckles already knowing him and Benn would probably get on great. Probably at her expense. "Oh you'll be fine, just be yourself I'm sure they'll love you in no time. Just don't let Bucky's scowls fool you. He might look all broody and close off, but he's just a much a softy as Sam." A pause. "Just don't tell him I told you that."

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fluffy / reassuring sentences for your needs … sentence starters

“I’ll protect you.”

“I want you in my life.”

“You make me feel safe.”

“Thank you for loving me.”

“I’ve always believed in you.”

“You’re lovelier than you know.”

“I don’t want anyone else. I want you.”

“Your past mistakes are not who you are.”

“You make me want to be a better person.”

“You’re the best friend I could’ve asked for.”

“I’d travel a thousand miles to find you, again.”

“You’re one of the smartest people I’ve ever met.”

“I’m not going to leave your side until you’re better.”

“You taught me that it’s okay to trust people, again.”

“You don’t have to be scared anymore. You’re safe.”

“Don’t listen to what they say. You’re better than them.”

“You’re not a burden. Stop treating yourself like you are.”

“You deserve so much better than all you’ve been given.”

“I’ll always be right here for you, whenever you need me.”

“Hey, no, don’t beat yourself up. You just made a mistake.”

“I know you’re still healing, and I will do all I can to help you.”

“You’re always there for me, and I don’t know how to thank you.”

“There’s nothing wrong with looking after yourself. It’s not selfish.”

“They hurt you so much, didn’t they? I’ll never let them touch you, again.”

“Hey, don’t insult yourself. That’s my favorite person you’re talking about.”

“I can’t even remember the last time I let myself get so close to someone. Not until you.”

“No matter how much I try, there’s no way I could pay you back for all you’ve done for me.”

“Why do you assume you’re a problem for me? I chose to love you, and all that comes with that.”

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"You do know I am a warrior in the snow right? That's my whole thing?" Rie can't help but almost laugh at that. It wasn't a hundred percent true but it made for others to wonder what she really did. She touches her snow flake pendant on her necklace. Taping at it as she felt a small bit of power come from it. She can't help but smile as she moved on further down the pathway.

"I wouldn't say deserve it, I've been outside, mostly with missions and recon but I've been out." She looks over at him, watching as his hands were in his pocket. She tilted her head to the side before looking forward again. "But I get it, I need to do fun things and not work things all the time."

She can't help but watch the snow flakes fall in front of them. "Winter is my favorite time of year. It's cold and everything is just silent. The smell of fireplaces keeping houses warm, it's just amazing." Rie looks towards Colton again. "You have an specific destination in mind besides the walk through the park?"

Colton chuckles softly, shaking his head as his breath fogs the cold air. “Alright, I’ll give you that one—it does look pretty badass,” he admits, his tone warm and genuine. He steps back slightly, giving her space as she strikes her pose, letting the moment sink in. The snow falling around her, the way the light catches on the blade—it really does look like something out of a story.

He places his hands in his pockets, tilting his head as he watches her. “You’ve got that whole ‘warrior in the snow’ thing going on. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were auditioning for a samurai epic.” The teasing grin on his face softens as he meets her gaze, the playful edge in his voice replaced with something more sincere. “But you don’t have to show off for me to think you’re impressive, Rie. Just saying.”

As she sheathes her sword, he lets the silence between them settle for a moment before speaking again, his voice quieter. “It’s good to see you relax a little. You deserve it, you know?” He gestures toward the snow-covered path ahead. “C’mon, let’s keep walking. Something tells me there’s more to this night than just showing off your moves.”

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Benn has a smile on her lips as she grips Maggie's hand a bit firmer. Did Maggie understand what she meant? She said it in such a weird way. She always said partner because it felt better that way. She looks over Maggie's features for any indication. She knew Maggie would understand but she wanted to make sure.

"I meant partner like.. Oh damn I haven't done this in years. I'm sorry. Let me ask in a better way." Benn moves closer to Maggie, placing her hand on her cheek with a small blush appearing on hers. She closes her eyes for a moment to think about the correct words she felt. Her it was, all or nothing.

"Would you like to be my girlfriend and we go out on dates that may turn into a storm of gun fire randomly sometimes, and you could you know stay the night at my place, and I'd maybe spend the night at yours if you'd allow, I'll meet your family, spoil them by doing things around the house when you are on missions. You know normal dating stuff." Benn has a goofy smile on her face now as she finished her rambling. Though if she wasn't stopped she'd just continue saying all the things she has been wanting for a few months now.

The laughter is infectious as Maggie's face is still turned up in a smile the flush in her cheeks not faded. Yeah now she definitely regretted not making a move sooner. But in truth she was incredibly out of practice. Her romantic history hadn't exactly panned out well, Benn was the first one she had ever been able to truly be herself with. If anything it made her appreciate the moment even more. This... This could be the start of something special.

A gasp left Maggie's lips as Benn caught her off guard once more. Rolling her over before lifting her up, the kiss lingering a little less longer than she'd like. Once on her feet, Maggie dusts herself off. She about to attack the leaves in her hair, before Benn once again beats her to it. The smile never disappears from her face as she laughs.

Taking Benn's hand when it's offered, she's happy to let her take the lead again. "Sorry I made you wait. I guess I'm still... Out of practice I guess." She laughs and then paused at Benn's question, catching her by surprise. But really would there be any other answer. "I-- Yeah I would love that."

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"Some do say I'm always jump before looking." Benn could only laugh as she crawls off Maggie and sits on the edge of the bed. She looks back at her with a smile before pushing herself up. "I'd teach you anything you'd like." Benn gives her a wink before making her way over towards a comfortable chair that sat in the corner of the room. She places her feet on the ottoman as placing her hands behind her head.

"Well give me a safe word and I'll make sure to not cross a line. Don't want your friend to be upset with me." Benn moves her hands to lay on the arms of the chair allowing her head to hit the wall. She winces for a moment not realizing it was so close. "Besides I want them to like me, you mean a lot to me and I want to make a good impression. Don't want to make an ass of myself."

"Happens to the best of us." Maggie returned Benn's smile, still it didn't mean she didn't worry about her. "Sure, I could show you a few things... Maybe you could teach me some new things too." Hmm it seemed Benn wasn't the only one letting her mind wander. Blushing a little, Maggie brought the conversation back.

"Yeah? Well then I guess we'll have to arrange something. Although maybe don't wound his pride too much." Maggie laughed, of course she could have a little fun with her friends. Still she knew when to draw a line.

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Rie just smiles at him, happy to be around someone who wasn't strange or work related. Though parts of her just want to hide away tonight she is making sure she is out and enjoy the one thing she loved, the snow. She takes a deep breath then lets it out, watching the smoke like breath it creates.

"Thank you." She puts her hand on his shoulder for a moment to thank him. Though it was just a simple gesture it allowed her to feel not on guard. Which was always up. She looked over at the buildings, listening to how even their footfalls seem so loud in the snow. She steps back and smiles at him. She pulls out her sword and poses in a traditional swordsman way.

She looks up at him with a smile. She was being playful for a moment, allowing him to see how cool it looked in the snow. She stands like that for a moment before putting her katana back in its place. "I know, showing off, but tell me it doesn't look cool with snow falling?"

Colt’s eyes flicker with a mix of curiosity and amusement as he watches her tap the katana. It’s clear that it’s more than just a weapon to her—it’s a part of who she is. He nods, recognizing the quiet strength she carries in every movement, even something as simple as a nervous habit. “I get it,” he says with a slight grin, “always something about the weapon that feels... personal.”

He takes a slow breath, letting the quiet of the snowfall settle around them before continuing. “And hey, I’d be a terrible student if I tried to learn how to use a katana in the snow.” He chuckles softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “But I appreciate the offer. Besides, I’m not exactly looking for a sword fight—yet,” he adds with a playful glint in his eyes. "Maybe next time, though, when the weather’s better."

He watches the lights shimmer off the snow, the calmness of the moment washing over him as the city feels distant, almost peaceful in the gentle quiet of the winter. "I’m just glad you’re here," he adds, his tone softening, the warmth in his words contrasting with the cold air. "Even if it’s just a walk for now, it’s nice to share it with someone who gets it. Not everyone does, especially in a city like this." He gives her a genuine smile, appreciating the unspoken understanding between them.

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Nex calms down a bit when she feels Stu's hand on her shoulder. SHe is quick to control herself so she doesn't shock him. Nothing like an unwanted shock to ruin a party. Or spice it up depending on the place. She could only nod as she smiled at him. She was grateful to him, he always got her things and she always made sure to fix anything that gets broken because honestly she didn't have the money but she had the brains.

"Yeah! And don't worry if things get crazy I have someone to call. You know I have my ways out of things. Though I do worry about you because honestly I don't even want to know who'd go party that hard to keep up with you! Like partying is fun but frack I am in my 30's now I can't make it past eleven without wanting to sleep." She is rambling because he made her so happy and honestly she is proud of that.

Stu loves making his friends happy, and Nex just so happens to be his color twin. Hands free again after ditching the can, he pats her on the shoulder, unconcerned with anyone present at this little pregame party having ill intentions towards her. This is a green room full of freaks. What's a blue, glowing girl next to four Toons in a world where they're rare enough to cause this much of a stir after decades as a band?

"Yeah- do you want to see it now, or-or pick it up after the show? You know how this goes. I'll be out partying all night, and-and I'm going to be beyond wasted. I don't want you, ehm...feeling pressured, or-or uncomfortable or nothing like that." She's familiar with Stu's pill use. She hasn't seen him lose his mind mid-rager, though. It's messy, to say the least.

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Benn could only laugh as she heard Maggie's response. She leaned her face more up into Maggie's hands with a smile. This moment was perfect though a bit uncomfortable with the hard ground on her back. She could only sigh happily as she laid there in silence for a moment. What did this mean for them? What were they now? Questions ran through Benn's mind.

Wrapping her arms around Maggie's waist tightly she rolled them so Maggie was on bottom. A quick kiss before moving to stand them both up and away from the ground. Benn began to pull the leaves and other things from Maggie's hair. Making sure she looked perfect before interlacing their fingers together.

She began to lead them back towards the cabin with a grin on her face. "Next time, do it because I was waiting to see what you'd do first." Benn stops for a moment and looks back at her. "Soo... would you like to be my partner?"

Maybe the jump to kiss her back had surprised Maggie too. But if she was honest, she had been waiting for the perfect excuse for a while now. Moving with Benn, Maggie is happy to move closer as she continues to kiss Benn. Part of her didn't want to pull away, but she had to breathe sometime. Pulling back she hovers over Benn, face flushed but a smile ever present.

"Yeah me too." Maggie remains on top of Benn, not wanting to leave the moment. Her hand cups Benn's cheek, rubbing gentle circles. Eyes never leaving hers as Maggie gazes at her with pure affection. Now this was a perfect day. Well mostly... now she definitely owed Sam that 5 bucks he'd bet her

"Funny I was thinking the same thing about you."

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"I'm always careful, just sometimes I don't notice the punch coming at me or the you know hit in this case and the fence." Benn could only smile as she looked at Maggie. "Teach me things yeah? I'll be happy to learn anything." She has a sly smirk on her lips. her mind went to places it shouldn't but it wasn't her fault. She meant her mind to stay PG but sometimes it just wandered off. "Ha! I will make Sam jealous even without his silly wings. I can up show him any day. You know that!" Benn can't help the pride that swelled up in her. She would prove to Sam she could do anything he could but in better style.

Maggie smiles softly at her, eyes never leaving Benn. Affection always came naturally when she was around her.

"Well I'm glad you're making friends. Still try to be bit more careful next time, yeah?" Maggie holds her close, forever protective of those she loved. It didn't mean she didn't have faith in Benn, but she hated seeing her hurt. "Oh yeah? Well there's plenty of things I've learnt over the last few years I could teach you." It helped she had a lot of super friends, and well an ex-assassin in her life who was practically family. "Oh I'm sure Sam would love that. Although he'll probably just use it as an excuse to show off the upgrades to his new wings." She laughs with a wide grin. It paid to have friends in Wakanda.

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"Maggie, you remember when I said you jump I jump? Well we are jumping together and this time it may be a giant splash but I'm with you." Nex was firm in her choices. There was no argument there. Honestly their friendship was unbreakable. Hell if she didn't find Maggie here, she'd do everything in her power to help her from the sidelines so no one knew a thing.

She thinks for a moment before turning to Maggie and placing her hands on her shoulders. "Maggie... why didn't you just ask me to do that? You know I have my past before all this super hero stuff right?" She lets go of Maggie before turning and grabbing her bag. "This feels like a trap for you. But let's go. I have a few favors to cash in."

"Never, but you should." It had been a cause for concern for years between them, but it wasn't like Maggie could pretend she wasn't reckless. She had both Carter and Rogers DNA, she didn't stand a chance.

"Of course." Maggie rolls her eyes, but she's finally admitting defeat. Even if she pushed and pushed, Nex would just follow her anyway. Watching Nex with a quirked eyebrow, she carefully takes the new device. Immediately checking it... Yep everything was still there. All her contacts, past picture, a text from Sam she forgot to reply to... All still there.

"Well let's keep our fingers crossed. Although I know there's a few people who want to make that a reality." Of course she had a bad habit of pissing people in government off, never afraid to speak her mind or bend the rules her friends were in trouble. "Alright... Well I need to break into a secure CIA base. I need to find out what agents on a top secret detail have been compromised." She hoped it didn't go deeper than few agents after some quick pay but Maggie had a very bad feeling about this. It was why she wanted to go alone, but of course Nex wasn't going to let that happen.

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Rie can only listen to him speak of Kyoto like it was poetry. A small smile appearing as she imagines it in her mind. Kyoto was beautiful but it was nothing compared to her village. The way the snow was there, she missed it dearly. But she had to agree on how silent New York got when it snowed. It was strange to her how such a busy city turned silent with just snow.

Rie steps back a small bit when he stepped closer. She was cautious a bit, only because getting close to others cost her something special to her. Though she looks up at him with a shrug. "No goddess, but powerful from one." She taps at her katana again when he mentioned it. A laugh escaping her lips. "Nervous habit. Never notice I do it until I'm told."

"I'm just happy I was thought of when you decided to go for a walk." She removes her fingers from the sword and crosses her arms. Looking at him for a moment as the snow came down. The lights of the park making it a nice picture to remember. "I can tech you how to use a sword, but I'm no perfect teacher. Though not out in this snow. Too slippery to teach out here if you've never used a katana before."

Colt watched as Rie tilted her face to the sky, the soft snowflakes catching on her lashes and melting on her skin. There was something about the way she embraced the moment—so serene, so natural—that made him pause. A smile tugged at his lips, genuine and easy, as he observed her.

“Winters in Japan, huh?” he said, his voice warm with memory as he stepped beside her. “I remember the chill that sets in around Kyoto. The snow on the temple roofs, the way the lantern light reflects off it at night—it’s like stepping into a painting. Still, I’ve got to hand it to New York. When it snows here, it feels like the city just stops for a second. Quiet, peaceful... a rare thing for this place.”

He let his gaze drift to her hand, where her fingers tapped rhythmically on the hilt of her katana. The action wasn’t lost on him. “You always keep me guessing, Rie,” he said with a small smirk. “Cool as the snow and just as untouchable, yet here you are humoring me on a walk through Central Park. Makes a guy wonder if he’s earned some kind of favor.” He gave her a smirk. “Thrive in it, huh?” he teased, stepping closer, his hands shoved casually into his pockets. “Well, that explains it. Here I was thinking you might be part snow goddess or something. You do have that kind of ethereal vibe about you.”

He shrugged lightly, glancing up as a particularly fat snowflake landed on his cheek. “But nah, I’m not freezing. This is nothing. I’ve seen colder winters up in the Alps. Still, there’s something about walking through the snow with good company that makes it all the better.”

He shot her a sideways grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “So, any chance you’re planning to teach me that tapping trick? Or is that reserved for swordmasters only?”

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Rie takes Sara's advice and sits down on the cot. Almost happy to be sitting somewhere soft. Though she'd have no issue with sleeping on the floor. Rie gives a small smile as she takes off her jacket and throws it towards the bottom of the cot. She rolls her shoulders and listens to the pops of her shoulders.

She looks over at Sara for a moment watching her move around before looking around where she was. Taking in every detail she could of possible escape routes or doors that might lead somewhere else.

"I dont' get cold easily but thank you." Rie takes the water and protein bar and holds them in her hands for a moment before putting them next to her. She will eat them soon enough when she gets a chance to clean off. "I can be around peanuts, just can't eat them. You may eat your candy."

Sara gestured to the cot again, telling Rie, “Please feel free to sit. That’s the only pillow and blanket that I’ve got, but if you’re cold, I know where I can get others.” As for her peanut allergy, she walked over to her weapons table - all of her weapons neatly laid out, cleaned, and loaded (depending on the weapon) - which also had a small stack of bottles of water and protein bars on it, too. She read the label on one of the bars, making sure that it didn’t contain or come into contact with peanuts in any way before bringing it and a water over to the other woman, “All allergy safe, and my M&Ms are in my duffel bag, which is where they’ll stay until you leave. I don’t want to take any chances. “

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When Maggie kisses her back Benn can't help but let out a noise of shock before it turns into something along the lines of a cute noise. She reaches up and pulls Maggie closer her to deepen it before she pulls away. Slightly out of breath as she rests her head back against the ground, allowing the leaves to tangle in her hair.

"Fuck, I should of done that months ago." Benn closes her eyes as she stretches a bit under Maggie, allowing her fingers play with the ends of Maggie's hair, twirling it around her finger. She opens them to look up into very blue eyes that seemed brighter than before. She just looks at Maggie with such a look of adoration. A look she hasn't given any one in quite so many years. Looking over every little detail on her face.

"You are so beautiful right now."

"Guess you gotta find better hiding spots." Maggie laughs deeply, her wide smile twinkling into her eyes. The slip up was completely not planned.. and she couldn't help the curse words leave her mouth. Rolling along with Benn, leaves captured themselves in her hair. Landing on top of Benn, Maggie's laughter is also accompanied by a slight little frown of worry in her brow - hoping she didn't hurt her.

When Benn's hand cups Maggie's face, instantly she's transfixed. Eyes capturing hers trying to get a read on the situation, the light laughter still in the air. Then she spies something in Benn's eyes, a flicker of... Something else. "Hmm?" And then Maggie is stunned as Benn leans up to kiss her - face frozen in surprise. As Benn pulls away, she stays stunned for a moment as Benn words fade in the background. But after a beat or two, her eyes met Benn's again. This time she's not stunned, instead it's replaced by a new found confidence.

"Don't be." She gently cuts Benn off before closing her eyes and returning the kiss, deepening it.

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Benn can't help the twitch her cheek does at the feeling of Maggie moving hair out of her face. She just smiles more as she tries to follow Maggie's hand.

"Hey, you were out of town, they called and I went hey why not?" Benn lets out a laugh as she opens her eyes to turn her head towards Maggie. She melts into Maggie with a content sigh. Though the mention of sparing made her grin. Sparing with Maggie was amazing at times. "You know I'll learn anything for you right? Catch the shield and play frisbee with it. Make Sam really jealous." Benn then sticks her tongue out at Maggie playfully before she begins to laugh.

"I promise." Maggie speaks sincerely, brushing a strand of loose hair from Benn's face to tuck it behind her ear. Her kind gaze never leaving her. Those honest words were always a reflection of her heart... she never be untrue to that.

"Say no more... so you're deciding to willingly get swept up in all that avenger craziness too huh? No wonder we get on so well." She laughs. "Good, I would hope you got some good hits as payback for the stitches." Maggie decides to take her chance, hugging Benn's back - gently as not to touch her stitches. "Oh yeah? Then I'll have to have some combat training with you, teach you how we can share my shield in a battle. As nice as the classic one that Sam has is... I know he still gets a little jealous at all the features mine has."

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"Maggie since when have I cared about the danger?" Nex stood firm in her stance. She wasn't taking no for an answer. She would keep them safe as much as she could and if not she had a few favors she could cash in.

"Nope. You already knew that." Nex looks at Maggie phone and brings out a device to take all files from her phone, photos, videos and contacts. When the device dinged Nex looked at Maggie as using her powers to make the phone explode in her hands. She let it drop to the ground as grabbing the device and a new phone that she had designed herself and putting them on there.

She hands it over to Maggie. "There, much better. A Nex exclusive! With me by your side that won't happen. Trust me." She was pretty confident in herself and Maggie to not land behind bars. "What are we doing anyways?"

"Nex... I -- What if this lands us in the permeant kind of trouble? Like we can't come home kind of trouble? I don't want to make you a potential fugitive too." Maggie tries to argue but already she's sensing it's a losing one. Already spotting the to go bag with a sigh.

"There's no changing your mind is there?" With a defeated roll of her eyes, Maggie hands her her phone. "Alright fine, but if we end up with adjourning jail cells don't say I didn't warn you."