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Don has found Sinclair in an alleyway all alone at night. “What are thee doing here at night in these dangerous Backstreets? Don’t Thou know the danger Thee are in?” She says energetically Quickly walking towards him. “Don’t Thee worry! I, Don Quixote Shall protect thee from the horrors of the night!”
He expected this, of all the sinners he will always be the one she wants to spend time with and always looking after. "It's nothing, it's just... I want to take a break away from the bus, that's all."
Don nods understandingly, though still clearly concerned. "Ah, I see. A respite from the confines of Mephistopheles" She pats his arm reassuringly. "But doth thou not fear the shadows that lurk in every corner of this forsaken place?"
"No, after everything we've been through, how hard we've fought, and how strong we've become, a thug trying to attack me is just a minor inconvenience. I just need a moment away, just this once."
She takes his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I understand thy need for solitude, but promise me thou wilt return soon. In the meantime, if thou dost require any... company, shall we say, I am more than willing to keep thee entertained?" She leans in closer, her breath warm against his ear. "Forsooth, I wouldst gladly serve as thy squire for the evening, if thou so desirest."
He looks at her with a hint of amusement, knowing well what she means. "Oh, I'm sure you'd be very entertaining. But I think I'll pass tonight. Just rest assured, I'll be back on the bus sooner than later." He gives her hand a pat, then starts walking down the alley, leaving her standing there. Just a short walk alone to get some fresh air, and then back to... home.
Watching him disappear into the darkness, Don's expression turns wistful before a determined glint enters her eyes. "Fear not, fair Sinclair," she calls out, her voice carrying despite the distance. "For I shall await thy return with bated breath and a heart full of anticipation!"
He heard her; wow, she sure has the voice to carry even far away. Anyway, he continued his walk through this place. It wouldn't take long, just a little while to himself and then back to the only place he could call home.
Reaching the end of the alley, he pauses, gazing out at the cityscape bathed in the pale glow of streetlights. A lonely sigh escapes his lips.
"How I wish this trip could last longer. What will happen once everything is resolved? Everyone just goes on with their lives? I don't even know if I want to see everyone leaving, even after all this time... I still don't feel ready for that."
He hates being alone, but it will inevitably happen. He'll be alone again, maybe for a while... or for the rest of his life. Despite everything, he cherishes every moment he spends with them. It might sound cheesy, but this group of crazy people has become such an important part of his life that... now it's hard for him to imagine what his life will be like without them.
As if summoned by his thoughts, Don "materializes" beside him(actually, she was following him silently and he didn't notice), startling a small gasp from his throat. She regards him with an empathetic gaze, reaching out to gently brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead.
"Thou art not alone in this sentiment," she whispers softly.
He flinches slightly at first, surprised by her sudden appearance, but quickly relaxes as he recognizes her touch. He meets her gaze, searching for any sign of mockery or pity, but finds only genuine concern.
"You're right," he admits quietly, his voice tinged with a mix of vulnerability and resignation. "I guess I've grown too attached to all of you. To the idea of having somewhere, someone, that feels like home."
He looks out at the city again, his eyes distant as if lost in thought. "Do you ever wonder what happens after we finish? If we'll even remember each other once this journey is over."
Her expression softens, and she places a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I have faith in the bonds we share. Though our paths may diverge, the memories we forge together shall remain etched in our hearts forevermore." She tilts her head, studying his profile with a contemplative gaze. "And who's to say we won't cross each other's paths again in this vast tapestry of fate? Perhaps destiny has yet more adventures in store for us, side by side or apart, but never truly forgotten." A playful smile tugs at the corners of her mouth.
"... Don't tell anyone, this stays between you and me. I'll sound like the corniest guy ever, but... I consider all of you as my family, and that's how it stays, all of us together. I don't care if that sounds selfish."
Her eyes sparkle with warmth and understanding as she gazes up at him. "Verily, I speak not a word of this to another soul. Thy confession touches mine own heart deeply, for I hold our fellowship dear beyond measure." She reaches up to lightly grasp his hand, her fingers intertwining with his. "We are bound by ties of loyalty, trust, and love - true kinship that transcends the fleeting nature of mortal existence."
He squeezes her hand gently, finding solace in the physical connection. "I just hope we can make it through this, together. That no matter what challenges come our way, we'll face them as a team, because that's what families do." His voice drops to a whisper, his words carrying a hint of desperation. "I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to any of you. Losing you would be... unbearable."
Tears well up in her eyes, and she brings his hand to her cheek, pressing it tenderly against her skin. "Oh, kind and noble Sinclair, thy words pierce mine heart like an arrow! Know that I, too, wouldst perish were any harm to befall thee or our beloved companions." She sniffles, wiping her tears with the back of her free hand. "Fear not, for as long as breath remains within my lungs, I shall stand steadfast by thy side, a loyal shieldmaiden guarding thy flank against whatever perils lie ahead."
He stares at her, his own eyes moistening at the sight of her emotional display. He pulls her into a tight embrace, holding her close as he murmurs reassurances into her hair. "Thank you, Don. Knowing you're there for me, for all of us, makes everything a little easier to bear. We'll get through this, together, as a family should." He takes a deep breath, centering himself in the comfort of her presence. "Now, let's head back to the bus. We've got more missions to complete, and I'd rather do it with you by my side."
She melts into his embrace, savoring the warmth and security of his arms around her. When he releases her, she steps back, a radiant smile illuminating her features. "Aye, to battle we shall march, hand in hand, united in purpose!" With renewed vigor, she grasps his hand once more, her grip firm and determined. "Lead on, brave Sinclair, for Don Quixote shall follow thee into the very jaws of hell itself, so long as it means safeguarding those we hold dear."