Private Finished A Little Company

Argh! This bird just wasn't going to give up! Claudia waved her hand at the pecking crane in an attempt to shoo it away, too distracted to notice that the person was reaching towards her 'til it was too late. When he felt his hand come into contact with something, he might have seen a dark figure out of the corner of his eye, but it disappeared as soon as he pulled back and she herself leapt away.

The young woman automatically held her hands up in response to the defensively-pointed paintbrush, even though he wouldn't be able to see it. And, much to her dismay, she sneezed. She put a hand over her face and reflexively said, "I'm sorry."

Oh. Oh no. What had she done? This was a disaster.

She'd never been this horrible and clumsy with her invisibility before. Why today?

Claudia Winchester's cover was officially blown. She kept her hands over her nose and mouth and stood as still as she could, thinking that maybe he'd just forget about her if she didn't move or make any more noises. And if he didn't touch her. And if the crane wasn't nosy.

She felt her face heat up when he asked his question, but she was sure that it was just because she was breathing into her scarf and gloves, which was totally keeping her face warm. Totally not because he might think she's an angel. She refused to answer the question and instead remained silent.

Claudia glared at the crane, just totally done with it already. Mind your dang business, bird. She stood perfectly still but very tense as the spirit-creature circled her, arms crossed and ready for this person to try to talk to her or touch her again. . .But he didn't? He just. . .laughed it off. Come on, the crane was walking right around her! This guy must've been pretty clueless. Next thing she knew, the crane was gone and he was walking off towards wherever.

Claudia eyed his painting, wondering why he just up and left it there. Did he forget it? Was he even going to come back for it? She looked around, watching as the other people in the park went about their days. What if someone just came over and took it with them? Free painting! She felt a strange obligation to watch it for the guy.

So, she moved to stand in front of the canvas, exactly where he'd been standing. Nobody would take this painting on her watch.

Claudia studied the painting for a couple moments before she remembered she had a job to do, protecting this canvas. The painting was as distracting as it was pretty. She folded her arms and glanced around for any incoming people again.

Maybe it would be better if she just. . .A few seconds later and she was satisfied now that she'd turned the canvas away from prying eyes. If they don't see it, they won't want to steal it! She rubbed her hands together and shifted from leg to leg, trying to keep herself warm while she waited.

The sweet smell of cinnamon apple tea hit her before the realization that the guy was coming back did. When Claudia did realize, she leaped back just as he arrived, careful not to make any physical contact again. She didn't think she would be able to handle another mistake; she'd want to go curl up and die if someone knew she was watching them like some creep.

The invisible girl stood back as he turned the canvas back and started calling out for whom she could only assume was her. Meanwhile, she was eyeing the turtle warily, hoping this one wouldn't give her away like the crane did. Dirty traitor bird. And then the guy was singing. Her brows rose in surprise and confusion, wondering just what in the world he was doing.

. . .Claudia hoped it wasn't some kind of curse. She was too young to be cursed. She also hoped he wasn't summoning some super strong spirit to come rough her up. In that moment, she was hoping a lot of things, considering putting a lot of distance between herself and this spirit conjurer painter person (but she stayed put), and lowkey wanting some of that tea.