>>5360249“Aahhh seriously though, kid: wouldn’t feel right–you’re more of a sis ta’ me, ya’ know? Granted, <span class="mu-i">I</span> didn’t look anything like dat’ when I was alive, bu-”
Stopping himself mid-sentence, Stripes abandons his joke and gives you an honest smile.
“Seriously though, Stan–thanks a <span class="mu-i">bunch</span>. Dis’ one right here? Dis’ bash takes da’ damn cake, an’ you an’ your pals did a damn good job helpin’ put it together.”
Damn right they did, you nod, taking another big swig from your beverage, and he’d best not forget it!
“Stan, you could crush me inta’ mulch an’ salt da’ remains an’ I’d <span class="mu-i">never</span> forget tonight, dig? <span class="mu-s">NEVER!</span>”
Giving you a warm pat on the shoulder, the skeleton slowly shakes his head as if he still can’t believe it all.
“Just… <span class="mu-i">thanks</span>, alright? This is… it’s been great.”
“Better change da’ topic, sweetheart, unless you wanna see a grown skeleton <span class="mu-i">cry</span>...” Paulie snickers as he refreshes Stripes’ drink!
“Yea, laugh it up, punk!” Retorts Stripes as he downs half the glass in one go! “Can’t be thankful for one damn second around you jerks…”
So, you continue in a cautious tone, what’s uh… what’s his plan for-
“Tomorrow?” Stripes interrupts with a grave look on his face. “Cripes, Stan, you <span class="mu-i">really</span> wanna talk about that glum shit right now?”
You dunno, you groan, drinking indignantly from your glass, you just wanna know, is all!
“Well I have no clue what Cliff told ya’,” Sighs the skeleton as Pete shoots you a wary look, “but it ain’t gonna involve da’ damn chopper–told me one of da’ guys detected a problem in it or some baloney like that.”
Is… is that so?
“Yep. Just my luck, right?” Groans the skeleton as he drums his bony fingers against the glass. “So I guess I’m just goin’ along wit’ da’ rest of the troops.” Raising where his eyebrow used to be at you, the skeleton continues with interest: “Do <span class="mu-i">you</span> guys know what yer’ doin’? Cliff ain’t told me squat. Hey, if you need an extra gun-”
Yea, you stammer as you finally notice Pete’s hard look, you’re heading out ahead of time, like <span class="mu-i">way</span> before everyone else!
“Sucks ta’ be you!” Stripes chuckles as he takes another swig! “Well dang, sis, don’t forget ta’ get a little shuteye in then, yea? An’ careful wit’ those drinks–Paulie will poison ya’.”
“Up yours, <span class="mu-i">Marion</span>.”
“Call me dat’ again, Paul. I <span class="mu-i">dare</span> ya!”
>CONTD. 