as we pass through arrangements of shadows

[shreds]

Comments

[pumping]

Alright. Let's do this.

( Dropping Cooper off at the front, he pulls off to a side street. Planting himself around the corner of the back entrance, he waits. )

[positiveinfluence]

[Cooper rolls his shoulders, shakes out the nerves and makes his way inside. He beelines towards the front desk and flashes a bright smile.]

Hey. I think I might be a little lost, do you have a minute?

[And that's a (14) for charm.]

[tramplemain]

( A nurse in his twenties looks over, clipboard in hand as he moves to the window. an (8) has him charmed for sure. He checks his watch for a second, looks behind him, but thinks he has enough time. Also, Cooper, you're cute! )

Sure! Yeah. Let me --

( He disappears behind one of the doors and emerges from the one close to Cooper's. )

How can I help?

[positiveinfluence]

So I'm trying to get to Keystone City and my phone decided now was the time to head into the great beyond. So, I figured people found their way around before Google Maps, right?

[Look at him, trying to be all cute and capable but failing terribly. He pulls out the map from his car.]

I think I got a little turned around. I'd understand if you're too busy, but if you could just help me get back on track?

[tramplemain]

Yeah, I've heard something like that...

( He is succeeding with aplomb. )

You know, I don't -- have a physical map on me?

[positiveinfluence]

That's okay.

[Coop can make it work. He reaches for one of the blank forms and flips it over.]

Do you think you could look it up for me, and just feed me the directions?

[tramplemain]

( His charm goes a long way and that shayna punam doesn't hurt. He slips his phone out of his scrubs and pulls up the maps. )

Keystone City?

[positiveinfluence]

Yeah, I think I made a wrong turn somewhere.

[And with that he will pull a random location that he actually has been to before, and hopefully the directions will take long enough that Mickey can get in and get out.]

[tramplemain]

( With his attention captured, he misses the sound of a truck backing in, ticking in the address he's given. )

So, here's this -- warehouse.

( While still charmed, it's odd that a location where Cooper once saved a family from vampires is where he's going now.

Meanwhile, Mickey lays in wait. )

[positiveinfluence]

[He smirks as he leans in closer.]

They're turning it into condos. I'm trying to get in on the ground floor.

[He's doing his best.]

[tramplemain]

Sure.

( So odd, but, he pulls the line for the directions Cooper needs up on the screen. )

Oh, you're actually five miles out of your way. Did you take the exit South instead of North?

[positiveinfluence]

[He snaps his fingers, like of course he did.]

That must have been it. When those exits are close together it makes it easy to mistake one for the other, I guess.

[pumping]

( "Yeah, the one winds around really suddenly. So, all you need to do is jump back on the interstate right... here."

His charm really clinches it, as Cooper might see a blur behind the tech. Quick.

"Was that... all?" )

[positiveinfluence]

Yeah, that was it.

[He flashes one more charming smile before straightening up again.]

Thanks again for the help. You're a lifesaver.

[pumping]

( Nothing more, cute guy?? FINE, you can leave.

Cooper will find Mickey back in the driver's seat. )

[positiveinfluence]

[Sorry, dude, he's taken.

But with that, he will make his way out and slide into the passenger's seat.]

You good?

[pumping]

Easy rider.

( ... That sounded better in his head. But, if anybody sees that quieter, dorky side, it's Cooper. And yeah, it feels like old times. Maybe they're on the mend with their friendship. )

To Star Labs?

[positiveinfluence]

[Coop certainly hopes so. But he nods as he settles back into the seat. Then he shakes his head.]

Wait, Jitters first. We promised coffee.

[But with their cover story in place, off they head back to the rest of their group.]