401 Affectionate and United

Thales' expression was stiff over the ten something seconds Dean climbed up from the ground.

'What the hell?'

It was as if time had frozen. He slowly moved his gaze to look at Quick Rope, who was beside him.

Quick Rope also stared at Thales in a daze.

At the other side of the tavern, Stake slowly narrowed his eyes and scrutinized the man who climbed out of the sack. "That's…" 

"Dean!" An exclamation answered Stake's question, and all chances of no one recognizing Dean were shattered, thereby also crushing Thales' chances of getting out of this situation unharmed.

Many people turned and saw the shocked Tampa.

The owner of My Home pointed at Dean, and then at Thales and Quick Rope, who were smiling awkwardly. His tone fluctuated.

"Why are you here…?"

Dean did not answer.

He swayed, grabbed a chair, and leaned against the bar counter. He panted non-stop and coughed softly.

"F*ck," Dean cursed again.