First Floor Lobby: Saturday Evening

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

Jack had handwavily been to his room, Cedric's room, and to every common room. There'd been no sign of Cedric anywhere, and no one had seen him.

But he wasn't worried.

He was simply sitting in the first floor lobby so he could enjoy the peace and quiet.

It was merely a coincidence that he could see the doors.

He was playing hangman on his whiteboard. It was easy to win when you were playing yourself.

Comments

[once-a-king.livejournal.com]

After receiving Susan's text, Peter headed down to the first floor lobby to see his sister.

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

Willow was right behind him, with most of her things tucked into a bookbag, and a dry erase board and marker in her hand.

[susanofnarnia.livejournal.com]

Susan was pacing in front of the front door, and looked up when she heard someone coming down the stairs. Hugely relieved, she crossed the lobby to Peter, one arm out to check on him. You're well? she mouthed. Then smiled at Willow, waving hello.

[once-a-king.livejournal.com]

Peter smiled at Susan and went to hug her immediately. Of course he mouthed when he stepped away. Any you, yes? He looked at her like he almost expected her to be injured.

[susanofnarnia.livejournal.com]

She nodded, her shoulders slumping in relief, and tried to give him a convincing smile. She opened her phone and quickly typed, No worries. Just rattled, then showed it to both him and Willow.

[once-a-king.livejournal.com]

Peter nodded and hugged her again. You'll stay here for the night then? You're not going back out there he typed - slowly - into his minicomp.

[susanofnarnia.livejournal.com]

Susan bit her lip, looking torn, then slowly nodded. Probably best. She hugged Peter again, and then typed, Glad you're both OK and showed it to Willow.

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

Willow smiled shyly and wrote on her whiteboard.

Glad you're okay too

[susanofnarnia.livejournal.com]

Susan reached out and gave Willow's shoulder a squeeze, then widened her eyes. She typed on her phone: Terribly inconvenient, Peter. May I borrow a pillow and blanket? I think I shall sleep in the lobby.

[once-a-king.livejournal.com]

Peter's first instinct was to offer his bed until he realised that it wouldn't be allowed. Frustrated yet again today by rules he considered silly, he nodded. I'll bring down Ainsley's new sheets and such. I'll stay down here too.

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

Willow, assuming the problem was boy/girl, waved to get their attention and then wrote:

You could stay in my room?

She showed that to Susan.

[susanofnarnia.livejournal.com]

You don't have to. I'll be perfectly safe here. Susan cocked an eyebrow at him, trying to look authoritative. Then she saw Willow's note and shook her head, smiling. No teachers above 1st, she typed.

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

Willow mouthed Ohhhh. She gave Susan a look of sympathy for the discomfort.

[once-a-king.livejournal.com]

Peter cocked an eyebrow back at Susan and her 'authoritative look.'

I'll not be five floors above you and you without locks or any type of protection

He smiled at Willow in thanks for her offer.

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

Willow wrote some more.

I have stuff

She mimed a pillow and blanket to sleep with, and plucked at her shirt to indicate spare jammies.

[susanofnarnia.livejournal.com]

Susan couldn't help but smile in relief. That would be lovely. Yes, please?

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

Willow nodded. She motioned that she'd go upstairs to get things and be right back.

Then she nearly gave Peter a kiss on the cheek to say goodbye.

She went off, blushing as red as her hair.

[once-a-king.livejournal.com]

Which caused Peter to blush as well and try not to meet Susan's eyes for a minute.

[susanofnarnia.livejournal.com]

Susan was very, very glad she couldn't giggle aloud, for the first time today. She patted Peter on the back, which turned into a hug, and shook her head, smiling.

[once-a-king.livejournal.com]

Peter smiled sheepishly and hugged Susan back. Then he typed.

I'm still staying down here. In case you're wondering.

[susanofnarnia.livejournal.com]

She sighed, and typed: I truly can't talk you out of this?

[once-a-king.livejournal.com]

Peter raised an eyebrow and gave her a Look.

What better use of the night is there?

[susanofnarnia.livejournal.com]

Susan refrained from looking back up the stairs, since he wouldn't be staying with Willow anyway. She shrugged helplessly, then typed:

Camping in the lobby, as if it were a campaign, then.

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

Willow came back with her arms full of blankets, pillows, large spare jammies (longsleeved top and bottom), and a bag filled with bottles of juice and things like cookies, apples, and potato chips.

Yes, she'd panicked.

She'd also brought enough that the pile of things mostly covered her face so Susan couldn't see.

[once-a-king.livejournal.com]

Peter smiled suddenly.

Like making forts in the garden when we were children.</i<