#debukefarmhold

Clem txts her Bzzt Come over if you would. And he's physically okay.'

bzzt Love, you are as stealthy as a belled cat. No, you don't steal. YOU don't steal!

Earl winces

then he texts bzzt 'I lost my head. I amsorry. Idon't want you to think less of me.'

bzzt Why would you DO that?

bzzt 'Can I come over and talk?Texting leaves things out. '

bzzt I'm on my way.

bzzt Ok I ❤️ you.

...silence...

"She's..coming here."Earl swallows, "Andshe didn't respond."

Clem looks at him, "Earl, she cares for you, but you were stupid, and got shot. She's not going to beh appy or trading happy emojis"

Soon enough, a pale-haired sluagh is stalking across the frosty grass. She's not making much attempt at stealth. Earl, at least. knows how she got here so fast.

She's let it right away, "Hey,Zara. He's right there. "

She swoops in to check him, sharp eyes catching bloodstains.

"can I get you tea, some food?" Clem offers.

"He's all healed?" She looks at Clem, but her hands stay on Earl's arm. "Aye, tea would be lovely..."

Earl looks finesave for a slight cirular scar... where he was shot. There's a briefcase nearby that looks new.

In the corner.

"He's healed" she says "I have the bullet if you want it." she starts to prepare tea, she can't cook, but it is obvioussomeone else started this.

She traces her fingertip over the circle, frowning. "Thank you, Clementine."

"Earl...." A frown, and then she looks up. "Why?"

"You're welcome. Would you like me to scoot and make sure you two are left alone?" Clemsays

She purses her lips and shrugs.

Earl sighs "Okay so I... was checking out some of sparrow's work, bad part of KC... beautiufl work on the walls right? Then I hear voices... and, these guys are about to do a drug deal! I see a brief case full of money, I hear them bragging about a high school...and... I just.. I quicksilvered and...grabbed it. The money. I thought if I could stop the trade,Icould help those kids and..." A blush

Clem compromises by hanging back quietly and making sure no one else gets in.

"...And you still have the money?"

He nods "Ten thousand dollars I..." A sigh "I thought maybe Ishould use it to... help with rent?"

She knows he's embarrassed to admit that part of it. that there was a selfish component

"It's in the brief case" He looks at it.

Her eyes widen.

"You stole for... that?"

"I stole to.. keep it from bad people, keep drugs from getting the kids. We're not talking marijuana.." then "and maybe to make things easier for us. "

"And now I'm feeling a bit ashamed."

She frowns. "Are you that worried about the money? I could go to Pittsburgh, to Indiana..."

"I could stay at home and go to the City."

"No," he says "You want one of the good schools, we can make it work, I just.." He takes zara's hands, "Zara. I want to protect you, to care for you, and in a fight,Ican try, and when it comes to cheering you on, yes, but money I guess I got worried.We can do this." A sigh "Look, please don't give up on your dream schools. I'd never forgive myself if I caused that"

"But they're also good schools. Just... further from home.."

"Home is important to you. " He says "I would never want to take that from you. I'm the one who can move anywhere. "he says "If it's about the money and you don't want me to take it. I'll giv it to charity . Mostly I'm sorry I scared you and.. that you might think less of me for stealing, eveen if it was from scumballs"

He looks a bit spooked.

"I just..." She frowns. "I know I oughtn't... I have taken things, aye - pens, mostly..."

"that's.. different' He says and he smiles "it's actually classy. And I think your reasons are ..well... mine weren't the same"

She holds his hands with both of hers, looking at them. "I never wished to bring worry upon you."

"this isn't your fault." he says "this was ..me being insecure. Look. We can do this. Go to your choice of college and make it work " he smiles "I traveled with you, remember? i saw which colleges made you light up. We're creatures of dreams. we need that. Inspiration. "

"I just... I never pictured you..." A sigh, frustrated, unable to find the word.

"As a dashing rogue?"

weak attempt at humor but he's trying

"Don't... please don't do thusly again?"

He kisses her fingers "I won't, but don't you give up on your dreams of a good school"

"I won't tell you what to do with the money. It is drug money... but.. before it was that..." She frowns. "Who is the true victim, nu?"

"Maybe I should give it to a rehab clinic?" he says after considering what she said