Is it who you think? [CLOSED]

Shepard hummed. "I didn't grow up with Kenzie. She and Annabelle were guardian angels to me. I think they stayed in my mind to protect me." He trailed off, remembering the dreamscape where his siblings would visit him at night. "My best friend had managed to enter my dreams because of her power, and she had met both." He smiled slightly and turned to Kenzie. "You may or may not have flirted with her."

Annabelle. That was a name neither Keirsta or Kenzie had spoken about in a very, very long time. It caused the mother to stiffen just slightly, thinking about his phrasing and feeling the deep pang. "So... it was just you in your world, I take it?" Knowing it had just been her and Kenz, and thinking if it had just been Leo and Shepard... all she could feel was the pang of loss. Raising an eyebrow, Keirsta looked at her daughter, who had gone from sleepy to vibrant red.

Kenzie's eyes widened, turning to Shep. "W-who?! I would... never do such a thing!" She exclaimed defensively. But.. she had flirted with a couple of Shepard's friends... past friends? It had been a good year or so after losing Shepard. Well, the Shepard of this world. That was a deep secret that would be kept under lock and key, with the key being tossed clear over to the Headmaster's office at Beata.

"Yeah just me." Shepard struggled to retain his smile. He nudged Kenzie, a smirk growing. "You definitely flirted with Joanna." He confirmed, though the thought of her made his heart sink. Damn he really missed her. The smile fell and he was left to gaze out at Axel and Micah. The toddler happily petting the dog's chest. Realizing he zoned out, Shepard shook his head. "Sorry."

With the pupper happily lounging next to Micah, giving her a couple of licks now and then, Kenzie's blush still coated her cheeks as she watched the two. "I deny everything." She finally commented.

Although, on the other hand, Keirsta saw Shepard zone out - along with the mention of a name she wasn't familiar with. "No worries dear... but, if I may ask, Joanna... that was your best friend, yes?" The mother raised an eyebrow curiously, shifting how she sat so her legs were now tucked under her on the chair.

"Yeah." He continued to stare out for a moment. Then it dawned on him. "I know it won't be the same Joanna, but is there a Joanna here?" Excitement coursed through him, a brilliant grin on his face, his eyes flicked from Kenzie to Keirsta. Micah blinked up at her brother who was more excited than she had seen before and begun clapping without knowing why.

Keirsta immediately shook her head, a saddened look appearing over her features. "If there is... I haven't met her. Kenz?"

To which, the teen also shook her head. "Not any in my year at school. There's a chance still but... yeah, I don't know of any Joanna's." It felt a bit sad to answer such a way, especially hearing the hope in Shepard's voice. Of course, it was now her turn to return the teasing. "Did you flirt with her too, Shep?" It was perhaps a bit mean given her answer, but...

"Either way, I'm sure there is a Joanna here in town... I can maybe try and ask a few of the people I know if you'd like."

The excitement that had flooded him prior drained, taking any energy he had with it. Now deflated, Shepard bit his bottom lip. "You would know her if she was here." He whispered. At her tease, Shepard couldn't help but sink further into his seat. In a whisper, he muttered; "I really miss her."

Keirsta frowned slightly, giving a gentle nod before getting up to hug her son. Being sure to not disturb the two adorable figures in the middle of the floor, she sat beside him, gently wrapping an arm around his frame. "Hey... it'll be alright. I know, it hurts..." She spoke gently, doing her best to comfort him.

Kenzie, on the otherhand, blushed and looked away. "I-I'm sorry, Shep." She stammered out, awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck.