[Wow, so reassuring. He has to bite back a groan when she almost trips over her own feet. This isn't the time to regret his choices.
Wolfwood does follow her despite his misgivings. When she starts rummaging through the garbage that's when he begins regretting his choice. Is her hiding place just in the trash? 'It could work,' he thinks to himself, even though he'd probably prefer taking a beating than cramming into one of those cans.
But... no, that's not what her idea is.]
If you already got a hiding place, why're you still running around out here? [He doesn't wait for an answer, instead stepping forward and pushing her shoulder towards the left to hopefully move her out of the way a bit.] --Christ, hold on.
[Wolfwood abruptly grabs one of the bins and hefts it aside much faster, sweeping a lot more of the debris along with it. They don't have time to mess around.]
[ like him! she does obediently sidestep once while he does the heavy lifting, making this so much faster. which is good, because the far off sounds of the mob are starting to get closer. but then she tugs on his sleeve again to get his attention, ducks under his arm, and starts shimmying behind where the bin was -- there's a pathway close to the wall. a little ways in, probably just about when he's truly reconsidering whether or not he wants to die behind some trash bins, she's running her hand over the wall. ]
[ it takes a fair bit of effort with one hand, but her fingers dig into it, pulling what appears to be a false panel off of it! and lo and behold... a tunnel. she can slip through easily enough, but it's gonna be a tight squeeze for him. suck it in ]
[ she crawls through before he does, but she's looking back to make sure he's following ]
[Wolfwood wouldn't call himself the poster child for those who should be helped out of a tight spot. Speaking of tight spots... when he gets a look at the tunnel Maya uncovers, he has to grimace.]
You have to be kidding.
[He may grumble, but he can hear those shouts getting closer. And right now he doesn't want to end up in another fist-fight with these guys. It could go south too easily; this girl might end up in the middle of it too.
So he grits his teeth, turns sideways, and scrabbles his way into the tunnel as well. It's definitely tight - she'll hear him cursing the whole way through.]
[ clearly he is a damsel that needs rescuing? by a girl half his size? but thankfully for him, it is not a long tunnel, so he doesn't have to squeeze himself through too much. also (not) thankfully for him, once maya's out on the other end, she's reaching out one hand to try to help pull him through. this will do nothing, but it's the thought that counts. maybe? ]
... You're really big....
[ thanks maya. what's waiting for him at the other side when he does make it out is interesting. it seems to be the remains of a basement apartment -- a small one. abandoned, a bit dusty, but not bad. it's dimly lit because there are only tiny slits of windows, but some sunlight still peeks through. there's a kitchenette with a bunch of non-perishables on the counter, a hot plate that may or may not work, and a little bathroom off to the side with a shower. in the living room is a large pile of blankets that approximates a bed and some miscellaneous sundries. seems like this weird girl managed to gather some useful items. ]
Umm... hang on one sec.
[ she'll crawl back into the tunnel once he's out ]
[Look at him, all up to date with words that describe parts of trees. He's a fast learner. With a last huff he manages to haul himself out of the tunnel. Wolfwood didn't take that offered hand - sorry Maya.
Blinking as he looks around, there's a hint of confusion in his face. Whatever he was expecting at the end of this tunnel, it wasn't a shabby little apartment. Has she been living down here? It's a sobering thought.]
What the hell is - hey! [And she's already scooted back out the tunnel. He whips around and whisper-yells after her.] Where are you going?!
[ imagine if she really did just take him to her sad hobo apartment and absconded ]
[ but no, she'll get an offended!!! huff!! in response to his mastery of tree parts, and no response otherwise. she's not going far, though, she's just closing up the secret entrance on the other end of the tunnel. he'll hear her fumbling around a little to do just that, and then returning ]
[ and sinking to the ground in front of him, letting out a little sigh of relief now that it seems like the danger has passed ]
This is my secret hideout! Isn't it cool? Even though no one's lived here in a long time... there's still electricity and water and everything!
[Okay, then that's fine. Forgive him for thinking the worst always - it's a habit he'll never break. Once she comes back through she'll find him staring at her with his arms crossed.]
That's something but I wouldn't go betting on it being totally abandoned. Surely someone else out there has to know about it.
[Not from the dusty looks of things, sure, but the building owner? Shaking his head, Wolfwood steps around Maya and goes to check what he can see through the window gaps. It's definitely not easy to see out so would likely be the same for anyone looking in. It could even be boarded up outside, based on how much light there is.]
You planning on being here a while?
[Food supplies. Hideout. Some semblance of organisation.]
[ while he's doing his inspection he'll also notice an actual door that's been extremely boarded up. heavy looking door too. ]
[ maya watches him do this, tilting her head ]
Maybe, but I figure they're all too busy being a crazy mob right now....
[ she's a little disappointed he's not more impressed with her secret hideout finding skills. but maybe he's just cranky because he's hungry.... and had to run from an angry mob on an empty stomach. understandable. ]
'Till I have to find somewhere else, yeah. You can have some food if you want, by the way! The hot plate works.
[ maybe that'll cheer him up. in the meantime, she's finally easing her disguise off. adding to the sad state of affairs, once the mask is off, it's pretty clear she's had some run-ins with the townsfolk already. she's well bruised with a black eye, a split lip, and angry red hand-shaped marks on her throat. she's still only using the one hand to try to get out of the hoodie, too, so that's pretty telling ]
Mobs're crazy. People on their own tend to be a bit smarter.
[Occasionally, anyway. Maya's unmasking doesn't reveal a surprise, but it's still not pleasant to see what she's been hiding under there. Wolfwood's expression twists when he gets a good look at her injuries. A scrawny thing like her wouldn't have stood much of a chance against a motivated lunatic. It leaves a nasty feeling in his gut.]
I'm not hungry. [He might be, but he's not thinking about that right now. Moving away from the window again he comes back over as Maya gets stuck halfway out of the hoodie. She might get the sense he's looming over her ... and then he grabs hold of the bottom of the hoodie.] You'll end up strangling yourself like that.
[He's going to help her out of it, even if he's going to be critical as hell while doing it.]
Huh? Really? Getting chased around didn't get your appetite up?
[ if only he knew how rare it is to offer her own food. she mumbles something else ridiculous that's lost in the struggle against her disguise. it's big enough that she can probably wiggle out of it eventually, but she does seem to sense he's looming and goes very still. ]
[ which is helpful to him, actually, because then he can pull the thing off in one go, revealing the last bit of ass-kicking: her other arm's pretty heavily and sloppily bandaged. and slowly getting more blood-soaked. looks like the bandages were made from her actual outfit, too, which is missing a few pieces ]
[ once it's off, she's just looking up at him uncertainly ]
Once the hoodie is off, Wolfwood's eyes just narrow at what that arm looks like. No doubt all this running around and yanking strangers off the streets has not helped the state of it.]
Jesus, kid, did you pick a fight with everyone in town?
A good snack helps with that too, yanno! You're not you when you're hungry or however that went...
[ but that's as far as she's going to press it. he's a big boy, he can get himself food if he's hangry. which he probably is. or maybe he's just got a cranky personality. that's the impression she's getting. no appreciation for his knight with a shiner and no armour ]
[ also it's probably fine. she puffs her cheeks out!! in offense!! at this accusation!! ]
No, I just got here! I was minding my own business, they're the ones who picked a fight! And it's "Maya", not kid!
[Wolfwood balls the hoodie up and dumps it on the kitchen counter. This whole thing is a lot. He is, perhaps, starting to feel a bit bad that this scuffed-up girl has gone to all this effort to save him when clearly most of that effort should have been directed to patching herself up.
So he huffs, because that's a full sentence.]
I'll eat later. [A normal person might give their own name in response, but Wolfwood just skips over that for now.] Either way, you'd have been better off staying in here rather than coming out to run around some more.
Weeell..... We sane people gotta stick together, right?
[ in other words, she is incapable of minding her own business. before getting any medical supplies, though, it's very important that maya go over to the kitchen counter to smooth out her hoodie nicely and move it away from the general food area. then she'll dig through one of the cupboards to present a first aid kit!!!! ]
Take that!
[ there's just a couple of rolls of bandages and some alcohol swabs left in there now, but it's better than nothing ]
I'm not really that good at first aid.... but um, if you got cut anywhere, I can probably help you wrap it up.
[ she's assuming he wants it for himself even though he doesn't really look injured ]
[Well, that's better than nothing. He inclines his head a bit when she thrusts the first aid kit at him, before sighing and wiping a hand down his face.]
I'm not cut up. [Wolfwood had gotten hit with the business end of some baseball bats, only he's not about to say as much. Can't be seen, anyway.] You're the one bleeding all over yourself.
[Taking the kit out of her hands, he cracks it open with a critical glance. It's basically the same stuff he'd use if he was at home.]
I don't want to deal with you passing out from blood loss, so go sit down.
[ wow, offensive!!!!! it's very tempting to huff back at these rude accusations, but captain cranky seems to want to help, for some reason, and her arm is still bleeding slowly under her wad of makeshift bandaging, so she does as she's told with a small sigh ]
If you run into them again, watch out for the guys with nailbats. That's what got me.
[ once sitting she falls quiet, rolling up the remains of her sleeve for easier access ]
[Finally, some cooperation. He raises his eyebrows slightly at the nailbats comment, but it's beyond saying much about at this point. They've all seen what these local hooligans have been picking up for their rioting.]
If they try that shit on me, they won't like where I shove their bats.
[Wolfwood pulls out a tiny bottle of antiseptic and shakes it a little, before grabbing a cotton ball.]
I've got no idea why they're all being such lunatics either.
Well, I dunno how it started, but once a mob starts going, it's easy for other people to get swept up in it... Dreamers, too.
[ that comes out more somber than she intended, and she's not eager to linger on the subject. she is not a seven foot tall buff guy who can make good on those threats, but the last thing she wants to do is admit to this stranger she's scared, so clearly!! time to lighten the mood? ]
Me too!! If one of those creeps comes at us, I'll really let 'em have it!
[ puffing her cheeks out for emphasis. maybe she can get a smile or laugh out of this guy, or at the very least, a non-scowl ]
[It does get some raised eyebrows out of him, does that count?]
Yeah, their shins won't know what hit 'em. Okay, hold still.
[Wolfwood says that at the exact same time he starts swabbing the cut on her arm. It may not be enough warning for the stinging that is about to ensue.]
[ it is not enough warning for sure, she yelps!!! comically at first, but it seems to strain her throat so it becomes a coughing fit. by some miracle, she keeps the injured arm still for him, but the rest of her hunches over ]
[A bit of an outsized reaction to his mind. Then again, Wolfwood's pain tolerance could charitably be called 'insane', so he's not really going to judge her for that. The coughing gets a slight frown out of him.]
You can grab some water when I'm done. [He's not about to stop halfway then come back to it, that's just mean. Wolfwood continues swabbing for a few seconds before letting go of her arm and diving back into the kit for the gauze.] Even though their shins deserve whatever you'd give 'em, probably better off not trying it for a while.
[ she does recover just as quickly, just a bit of a wince as he works and back to a bright grin. gotta keep the bravado up ]
I'll try to restrain myself... but I can't promise anything if those creeps get you cornered!
[ since clearly, he needs the protection from his new three foot tall bodyguard. she tries not to fidget in place while he's getting the gauze, since the wound hasn't even closed yet. a bit of blood trickles down her arm. now she sounds quieter. contrite, even. ]
.... Thank you. Sorry about, um.... all the blood....
[ yes, it's that time where maya apologizes for being hurt ]
[It's gauze time, though he's quick and efficient about it. There's no getting around the discomfort of it for Maya - at least he's taping it up before she has much time to think about it.]
You can kick 'em higher than that. Might work out better for you.
[If she can't fight fair, fight dirty. He snorts a bit, straightening up and tossing the gauze back into the kit.]
[ she makes a valiant effort to keep grinning through it and pretend she isn't in pain, but it is very obvious that she is. it takes enough effort that she stops talking for a minute, (incredible) though she nods in response to the kicking advice. yeah!! kicking!! ]
[ once it's over and he's putting the gauze away she lets out a long breath through her nose. ]
Is it always like this here?
[ crazy angry mobs and such. it may become apparent she is fresh blood here. pun intended ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Wolfwood does follow her despite his misgivings. When she starts rummaging through the garbage that's when he begins regretting his choice. Is her hiding place just in the trash? 'It could work,' he thinks to himself, even though he'd probably prefer taking a beating than cramming into one of those cans.
But... no, that's not what her idea is.]
If you already got a hiding place, why're you still running around out here? [He doesn't wait for an answer, instead stepping forward and pushing her shoulder towards the left to hopefully move her out of the way a bit.] --Christ, hold on.
[Wolfwood abruptly grabs one of the bins and hefts it aside much faster, sweeping a lot more of the debris along with it. They don't have time to mess around.]
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[ like him! she does obediently sidestep once while he does the heavy lifting, making this so much faster. which is good, because the far off sounds of the mob are starting to get closer. but then she tugs on his sleeve again to get his attention, ducks under his arm, and starts shimmying behind where the bin was -- there's a pathway close to the wall. a little ways in, probably just about when he's truly reconsidering whether or not he wants to die behind some trash bins, she's running her hand over the wall. ]
[ it takes a fair bit of effort with one hand, but her fingers dig into it, pulling what appears to be a false panel off of it! and lo and behold... a tunnel. she can slip through easily enough, but it's gonna be a tight squeeze for him. suck it in ]
[ she crawls through before he does, but she's looking back to make sure he's following ]
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You have to be kidding.
[He may grumble, but he can hear those shouts getting closer. And right now he doesn't want to end up in another fist-fight with these guys. It could go south too easily; this girl might end up in the middle of it too.
So he grits his teeth, turns sideways, and scrabbles his way into the tunnel as well. It's definitely tight - she'll hear him cursing the whole way through.]
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... You're really big....
[ thanks maya. what's waiting for him at the other side when he does make it out is interesting. it seems to be the remains of a basement apartment -- a small one. abandoned, a bit dusty, but not bad. it's dimly lit because there are only tiny slits of windows, but some sunlight still peeks through. there's a kitchenette with a bunch of non-perishables on the counter, a hot plate that may or may not work, and a little bathroom off to the side with a shower. in the living room is a large pile of blankets that approximates a bed and some miscellaneous sundries. seems like this weird girl managed to gather some useful items. ]
Umm... hang on one sec.
[ she'll crawl back into the tunnel once he's out ]
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I don't need to hear that from a twig.
[Look at him, all up to date with words that describe parts of trees. He's a fast learner. With a last huff he manages to haul himself out of the tunnel. Wolfwood didn't take that offered hand - sorry Maya.
Blinking as he looks around, there's a hint of confusion in his face. Whatever he was expecting at the end of this tunnel, it wasn't a shabby little apartment. Has she been living down here? It's a sobering thought.]
What the hell is - hey! [And she's already scooted back out the tunnel. He whips around and whisper-yells after her.] Where are you going?!
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[ but no, she'll get an offended!!! huff!! in response to his mastery of tree parts, and no response otherwise. she's not going far, though, she's just closing up the secret entrance on the other end of the tunnel. he'll hear her fumbling around a little to do just that, and then returning ]
[ and sinking to the ground in front of him, letting out a little sigh of relief now that it seems like the danger has passed ]
This is my secret hideout! Isn't it cool? Even though no one's lived here in a long time... there's still electricity and water and everything!
[ apparently the bar is that low ]
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[Okay, then that's fine. Forgive him for thinking the worst always - it's a habit he'll never break. Once she comes back through she'll find him staring at her with his arms crossed.]
That's something but I wouldn't go betting on it being totally abandoned. Surely someone else out there has to know about it.
[Not from the dusty looks of things, sure, but the building owner? Shaking his head, Wolfwood steps around Maya and goes to check what he can see through the window gaps. It's definitely not easy to see out so would likely be the same for anyone looking in. It could even be boarded up outside, based on how much light there is.]
You planning on being here a while?
[Food supplies. Hideout. Some semblance of organisation.]
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[ maya watches him do this, tilting her head ]
Maybe, but I figure they're all too busy being a crazy mob right now....
[ she's a little disappointed he's not more impressed with her secret hideout finding skills. but maybe he's just cranky because he's hungry.... and had to run from an angry mob on an empty stomach. understandable. ]
'Till I have to find somewhere else, yeah. You can have some food if you want, by the way! The hot plate works.
[ maybe that'll cheer him up. in the meantime, she's finally easing her disguise off. adding to the sad state of affairs, once the mask is off, it's pretty clear she's had some run-ins with the townsfolk already. she's well bruised with a black eye, a split lip, and angry red hand-shaped marks on her throat. she's still only using the one hand to try to get out of the hoodie, too, so that's pretty telling ]
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Mobs're crazy. People on their own tend to be a bit smarter.
[Occasionally, anyway. Maya's unmasking doesn't reveal a surprise, but it's still not pleasant to see what she's been hiding under there. Wolfwood's expression twists when he gets a good look at her injuries. A scrawny thing like her wouldn't have stood much of a chance against a motivated lunatic. It leaves a nasty feeling in his gut.]
I'm not hungry. [He might be, but he's not thinking about that right now. Moving away from the window again he comes back over as Maya gets stuck halfway out of the hoodie. She might get the sense he's looming over her ... and then he grabs hold of the bottom of the hoodie.] You'll end up strangling yourself like that.
[He's going to help her out of it, even if he's going to be critical as hell while doing it.]
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[ if only he knew how rare it is to offer her own food. she mumbles something else ridiculous that's lost in the struggle against her disguise. it's big enough that she can probably wiggle out of it eventually, but she does seem to sense he's looming and goes very still. ]
[ which is helpful to him, actually, because then he can pull the thing off in one go, revealing the last bit of ass-kicking: her other arm's pretty heavily and sloppily bandaged. and slowly getting more blood-soaked. looks like the bandages were made from her actual outfit, too, which is missing a few pieces ]
[ once it's off, she's just looking up at him uncertainly ]
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No, it just pissed me off.
[Anger always gets priority over hunger.
Once the hoodie is off, Wolfwood's eyes just narrow at what that arm looks like. No doubt all this running around and yanking strangers off the streets has not helped the state of it.]
Jesus, kid, did you pick a fight with everyone in town?
[The compassion is overwhelming.]
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[ but that's as far as she's going to press it. he's a big boy, he can get himself food if he's hangry. which he probably is. or maybe he's just got a cranky personality. that's the impression she's getting. no appreciation for his knight with a shiner and no armour ]
[ also it's probably fine. she puffs her cheeks out!! in offense!! at this accusation!! ]
No, I just got here! I was minding my own business, they're the ones who picked a fight! And it's "Maya", not kid!
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So he huffs, because that's a full sentence.]
I'll eat later. [A normal person might give their own name in response, but Wolfwood just skips over that for now.] Either way, you'd have been better off staying in here rather than coming out to run around some more.
You got any medical supplies in here or what?
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Weeell..... We sane people gotta stick together, right?
[ in other words, she is incapable of minding her own business. before getting any medical supplies, though, it's very important that maya go over to the kitchen counter to smooth out her hoodie nicely and move it away from the general food area. then she'll dig through one of the cupboards to present a first aid kit!!!! ]
Take that!
[ there's just a couple of rolls of bandages and some alcohol swabs left in there now, but it's better than nothing ]
I'm not really that good at first aid.... but um, if you got cut anywhere, I can probably help you wrap it up.
[ she's assuming he wants it for himself even though he doesn't really look injured ]
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[Well, that's better than nothing. He inclines his head a bit when she thrusts the first aid kit at him, before sighing and wiping a hand down his face.]
I'm not cut up. [Wolfwood had gotten hit with the business end of some baseball bats, only he's not about to say as much. Can't be seen, anyway.] You're the one bleeding all over yourself.
[Taking the kit out of her hands, he cracks it open with a critical glance. It's basically the same stuff he'd use if he was at home.]
I don't want to deal with you passing out from blood loss, so go sit down.
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If you run into them again, watch out for the guys with nailbats. That's what got me.
[ once sitting she falls quiet, rolling up the remains of her sleeve for easier access ]
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[Finally, some cooperation. He raises his eyebrows slightly at the nailbats comment, but it's beyond saying much about at this point. They've all seen what these local hooligans have been picking up for their rioting.]
If they try that shit on me, they won't like where I shove their bats.
[Wolfwood pulls out a tiny bottle of antiseptic and shakes it a little, before grabbing a cotton ball.]
I've got no idea why they're all being such lunatics either.
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[ that comes out more somber than she intended, and she's not eager to linger on the subject. she is not a seven foot tall buff guy who can make good on those threats, but the last thing she wants to do is admit to this stranger she's scared, so clearly!! time to lighten the mood? ]
Me too!! If one of those creeps comes at us, I'll really let 'em have it!
[ puffing her cheeks out for emphasis. maybe she can get a smile or laugh out of this guy, or at the very least, a non-scowl ]
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[It does get some raised eyebrows out of him, does that count?]
Yeah, their shins won't know what hit 'em. Okay, hold still.
[Wolfwood says that at the exact same time he starts swabbing the cut on her arm. It may not be enough warning for the stinging that is about to ensue.]
1/2
And the rest of 'em, too. They'd never see me com--
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Ngh....
[ such a fearsome warrior ]
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You can grab some water when I'm done. [He's not about to stop halfway then come back to it, that's just mean. Wolfwood continues swabbing for a few seconds before letting go of her arm and diving back into the kit for the gauze.] Even though their shins deserve whatever you'd give 'em, probably better off not trying it for a while.
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I'll try to restrain myself... but I can't promise anything if those creeps get you cornered!
[ since clearly, he needs the protection from his new three foot tall bodyguard. she tries not to fidget in place while he's getting the gauze, since the wound hasn't even closed yet. a bit of blood trickles down her arm. now she sounds quieter. contrite, even. ]
.... Thank you. Sorry about, um.... all the blood....
[ yes, it's that time where maya apologizes for being hurt ]
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[It's gauze time, though he's quick and efficient about it. There's no getting around the discomfort of it for Maya - at least he's taping it up before she has much time to think about it.]
You can kick 'em higher than that. Might work out better for you.
[If she can't fight fair, fight dirty. He snorts a bit, straightening up and tossing the gauze back into the kit.]
You hardly got any on me, it's fine.
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[ once it's over and he's putting the gauze away she lets out a long breath through her nose. ]
Is it always like this here?
[ crazy angry mobs and such. it may become apparent she is fresh blood here. pun intended ]
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[He shakes his head, snapping the kit shut. He's too new himself to be confirming anyone's worst fears. It does not bode well, however.]
But in my experience they'll wear themselves out eventually. [Speaking of--] Now go sit down somewhere before you pass out.