Interdimensional Magic Shenanigans Reupload (In memory of Ch3rryblossom05)

81: Attenuated Appetite, Affection, And Apologies

(Title also known as "AAAAA")

M:

The two angelic countries were outside for a while so most everyone was done eating, or some, specifically Poldara, didn't have an appetite and just played with his food.

"Come on babe, you got to eat something," MC said, poking Poldara's cheek with a piece of sausage on a fork, "we all know what happens to you when you get hangry and I for one don't want to be on the wrong end of that."

"MC, I'm not hungry," the special entity muttered, waving away the fork, "stop doing that, it's more annoying than anything."

Poland and MA looked at each other with concern, Mandara had stepped away to make VIP reservations at the arcade but too looked concerned at his son's lack of appetite.

MA heard Hatter and Umbra come in and tried to lighten the mood, "well, if it isn't the dynamic duo, and their sidekick Hatter, did you finish patrolling Gotham City already?"

C:

Cherry stared from her finished plate of toast and the cup of coffee, with Poldara's gloomy face and his lack of appetite it was obvious he had something on his mind that bothered him.

Before she could ask about it though, they were joined by Hatter and Umbra.

Hatter stiffened at the mention of patrol, but chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck.

-"No, now that you mentioned it I should probably get onto that." The man muttered, then shoved his phone in his back pocket and turned on his heels to face the room's exit.

-"Hep-," Umbra took hold of Hatter's forearms and tugged until he was back in the dining room. "Just where do you think you're going"

-"Why m'lady, patrolling for rifts."Hatter snorted sarcastically and jerked his arm out of her grasp.

-"I don't think so. You've barely made it back from the other side, you're in recovery process," Umbra observed as she stepped to block the pathway. "Forby, your employer gave you another two days off, geez can't ya just relax for once."

-"What is relaxing going-" The other angelic entity grumbled.

-"It's good for your mental health, also helps you to not mess up and die during your missions and to recenter yourself." Umbra argued.

-"These ... are all valid points and I understand where you're going," Hatter sighed. "But if everybody in the multiverse took breaks, nothing would work properly. I just happen to be behind on my schedule and—"

He interrupted himself, surprised to be squished by Cherry.

The teenager's hands clawed at his shirt and she clung very tightly to him.

-"Don't go." She whispered, her voice firm. "I'm not letting you disappear again."

Hatter's stunned face shifted to a lightly amused one. He gently unclasped Cherry's fists and took them in his own palms.

-"Oh, Sakura ..." He softly smiled down at the child.

-"If you're going patrolling then I'm going with you, stop leaving me out of these things. When you're on your own, you often forget that you have not only the responsibility to protect others but also to protect yourself. I'm not ready to lose you once more." Cherry expressed in the most stubborn voice she could muster. "And after you finish your roll check, it would certainly be time to leave and we won't be hanging out together until the next mission which will require traveling."

The angelic entity knelt down to see her eyes and gently brushed the hair from her face.

-"Kiddo ... I know it's hard. My job isn't always easy and ... accidents happen. Nevertheless, I can assure you, the circumstances are different now. I will only go on a round to make sure everything's secure and will return immediately after that." Hatter ruffled Cherry's hair affectionately. "My duty is to keep you all safe."