( the voice makes her jump--it's not a surprise, really, to hear rude's deep, warm sort of tone out of nowhere, but it does remind her of home; and isn't that strange, really, to be comforted by something that would normally make her grimace, make her nose wrinkle in distaste? here, though, she finds it almost calming, spinning on her heels with her hands gripped tight around the makeshift rod.

he looks just like normal, which shouldn't surprise her, but she does offer him a playful sort of scowl in dismay. what else would she be doing out here, after all? taking a few steps forward, she wags the end of the rod towards rude, teasing: )

Looking out for punks like you!

( yeah, right. )

...They said there were monsters out here. Have you seen them?

( softer, now, more uncertain: she looks up at him with big, curious eyes, her arms going slack; they fall to her sides, and even though rude has his arms crossed against his chest, the picture of unapproachable, she knows better. )

You'll go with me either way, though, right?