I'm sorry. [ It comes out in a hoarse whisper, because he can't trust his voice to do much more. But he's genuinely sorry for all of this -- for getting caught like a dumbass, for making all of them worry. ] It'll be okay.

[ He doesn't hesitate when she reaches for him, and he moves to take her hand--

But there's a click and a buzz of static again, and he groans impatiently.

"Pair of eyes in Section Three, heading to Section Four. Get your dick outta your hand, Quill."

Peter goes rigid at that, stepping back into alleyway and moving Kasumi along with him as he peers out. He catches sight of the two patrolling cops heading his way, but their leisurely pace tells him they don't have any reason to be suspicious yet. He speaks into his lapel again, arm outstretched to keep Kasumi behind him (and isn't that a weird instinct, when he knows she could just go invisible and cheese it?). ]

I see 'em. They're just putzin' around.

[ "Make sure it stays that way." ]

Only 'cause you asked so nicely, sweetheart.

[ There's a derisive snort on the comm and distinctively alien swearing, but Peter looks over his shoulder to Kasumi, smiling half-heartedly. ]

This really isn't a good place for the galaxy's best thief, y'known.