━ apologetic smile. You really wouldn't be able to tell how much pain she was in by looking.

━ her feel more real.

But once she realized her pain had dulled some and saw the other woman wince, Valerie quickly pulled away, putting space in between them so their legs didn't even brush.

"Sorry! I should have warned you." She offered a little ━

She wanted to explain, but she couldn't find the words. Later, she could. When she wasn't buzzing quite as much, when she could think more clearly.

The touch made her relax at first. She's always appreciated how a firm touch could ground her. A hug, a hand on the shoulder, a hand in hers. It made ━

I have one!

... No, you can't borrow it. You can ride on the back if you want, though.

"Yeah, but you could bundle it under you to use as a pillow."

Her heart aches suddenly. But she ignores that ache like an old pro, instead starting to dig around in her bag.

"I think you should take it."

"Of course I don't mind. Go lay down."

She offered a bright smile.

"I'll bring you food in a minute."

Valerie nodded seriously. She can handle a lot and keep smiling, but she doesn't feel like others should.

"Maybe you should go lay down and I'll bring you something to eat?"

"Beat up?"

Her eyes grew wide and her head tilted.

"Actually beat up or emotionally beat up?"

It took a few more seconds for the words to register in her groggy mind. It was as if he was speaking to her through a tunnel or something.

"Sorry." She frowned, grabbing her bag. She'd been using it as a pillow. "Do you have a blanket? I might have one in here for you."

Oh...

*Great.*
Wonderful, even.

How long are they going to be on this train?

I mean, he never said I *wasn't,* but... Just don't tell him!

Right...

(Yep. She's grabbing the bear, tucking it under her free arm.)

*Do not* tell my dad.

Y'know, I'm a more seasoned time traveler than you. I think I know how to dress myself for the times.

In my world, that typically means 'I'm not showing up but I'll remember you exist at some point in the future.'

(Staring at the stuffed animals. Her hand still clutching onto Cassie's wrist, though. She's not letting her get away from her!)

It's really cute.

(Glances down at herself.)

Why? Is there something wrong with it?

Is dad not coming?

... Oh, there are stuffed animals?

Yeah! There are sea...

... Hey, wait for me!

No, I've never been to a train museum. Why don't we *sit down* and you can tell me about it?

*Cassie!*

(Clinging to her, trailing after her. She doesn't even *look* at the food in the snack car, focused on keeping up.)

Oh. Makes sense.

(Staring at the train. Still smiling, but her eyes are screaming - as if it's a giant snake that might eat her alive or something. She'd probably be less scared if it *was* a giant snake.

Reaching out, she grips onto Cassie's wrist.)

*Please* don't wander off.

Yeah. I see the...

Why're we boarding this train again?

Is... Is that a special kind of train?

... Great.

Trains.

Love a train.

(Totally isn't lying. Just look at her smile! Could somebody who is *lying* smile like this?)

"I'm great." Her answer to that question never changes. She'd say that's because she's always happy. "How're you?"

"Hi!"

She was trying not to be too obvious with it. Banking on the fact that she's always hyper and smiling.

Beams!

She *is* a good girl, but it's still nice to hear others say it.