[he offers ann a weak smile, shaking his head to that. he knows she's worried—can can read it pretty plainly in her expression, after all.]
I know they'll all have suspicions. They'll get in touch and ask questions. [they're probably all going to figure it out and fuss in their own way.
if ann caught on easily enough to stay behind just for that alone, there's not getting around the fact that the others are going to pick up on it. they're probably just waiting—which, well, probably works out for the better right now.]
Just the part about getting up the stairs. And the walking, just don't bring up that. [she doesn't have to lie about him being hurt, he just doesn't want to spring those worries on them needlessly. the whole thing is unsettling for him too, after all.]
no subject
[he offers ann a weak smile, shaking his head to that. he knows she's worried—can can read it pretty plainly in her expression, after all.]
I know they'll all have suspicions. They'll get in touch and ask questions. [they're probably all going to figure it out and fuss in their own way.
if ann caught on easily enough to stay behind just for that alone, there's not getting around the fact that the others are going to pick up on it. they're probably just waiting—which, well, probably works out for the better right now.]
Just the part about getting up the stairs. And the walking, just don't bring up that. [she doesn't have to lie about him being hurt, he just doesn't want to spring those worries on them needlessly. the whole thing is unsettling for him too, after all.]