Jumping into the Deep end

Sure, I don’t disagree, but I’m going to do something rare and bite my tongue now.

What do you mean? What else is there to say?

– that’s clever, I like that idea and now you’ve given me plenty of new things to do. You think a runner would be willing to find me a bag of balloons?

As long as you don’t tell them that it’s to throw water balloons at them, I think they might bring you something.

Nora raised an eyebrow at her, barely being able to contain her laughter. “Why don’t you just cut your hair? It’d be easier that way.”

“Do you know what day in April it is? I lost count a while back.”

“I have no idea. I stopped counting after January of 2014.”

“Indeed I did. At least I think so. I’m just trying to see how high I climb now.”

“Once you’re on the scale, there’s no place to go but up. Unless you’re her sister.”

Yeah but I’m here now and it’s like a dream come true, really.

How’d you hear about this place anyway?

Chip knew it wasn’t really okay or at least he felt like it. He knew how strict the patrols could be sometimes, and how Nora probably wouldn’t get to eat something before she left. “Nor - I mean, I’m really sorry, it’s all my fault, you could just tell them that maybe, and, or I could go out and cover you for a little, I guess and that wouldn’t be a big deal hopefully…”

Nora sighed a little as his words began to jumble together. “Chip.” She put a hand on his should and willed a smile that she hoped was assuring enough for him to calm down a little. “It’s fine, okay. You just got off of your shift right? You shouldn’t have to go back again. It’s not that big of a deal. I’ve gone longer without eating.” Although it’s been a long time since she would go days without food, she figured she could do it again. “It’ll be okay as long as they don’t get pissed for me being late.”

“Probably,” Matt replied, though he shrugged a bit. He was far too literal to believe in anything that he couldn’t see or explain. “Us?” he asked with a raised eyebrow and a straight face, though an amused grin was itching its way up the right side of his mouth.

“Yeah us. You wouldn’t make me start dancing by myself would you? Besides, people would be more likely to join in if there’s more than one idiot doing it.” She smirked at him. “I’m sure you have great dance moves.”

Guh. VolleyballI  too? Continue the dirty talk, babe.

I did basketball for a little bit too, but only in high school. I was going to be a professional volleyball player.

– Do you guys realize how long I’ve been looking for this place?

A long time, I’m guessing.

Hand me the bow then, I hope this isn’t Kevlar, that is one tough string to find now. If ever you’re out on guard patrol, or find a runner, ask them to get my polyester, or linen. 

I have no idea what it is, but you can fix it right? I really need my bow out there.

Softball, huh? Nice. It’s a hundred and fifty on a good day.

It kept me in shape for volleyball in the off season. Hundred fifty, huh? Bet I can beat that one.

“Oh god. Why must you still call me Squirt? Like seriously! Can’t you let that name die already? And maybe if you had said ‘heads up’ or even ‘Marley, I’m gonna throw this ball at your general direction, move the fuck out the way’ I would have y'know, get out of the way.”

“If you were six inches taller than your little sister, you would understand. And I did tell you to move. It’s not my fault you never listen.” Nora picked up the moved to her sister’s side, a gentle hand going to where she hit her. “Are you okay? You’re not bruised are you?”

“I’d do just about anything for any of those. Hell, even cold medicine if it’d stop me from sneezing.” She smiled despite how serious he was about the subject. Taking the bandana she wiped her nose and sniffled again. “Thanks. I ran out of tissues months ago and using my sleeve is gross when it has blood all over it.”

“Nora!” Chip felt immediately guilty as he sent her half to the ground, and several things besides that. He reached down to try and help her, spotting a bagel there - and he suddenly felt worse. Circumstances dictated nothing was to go to waste, but who wanted to eat something that fell on the floor? “Oh my god, I’m sorry, I’m - hey, are you headed out? I can go get you my breakfast if you want, if we have enough time, yeah?”

“It’s fine Chip, honestly,” Nora assured him, even though it wasn’t. There was no way she would get to her post in time and now she was going to go most of the day without something to eat. She glanced back to the kitchens, knowing that going back would mean more time that she was late. “I have to head out. I already overslept and I need to get out there before someone starts screaming.”

Matt couldn’t help the smile that managed to twitch across his lips at the thought. He’d find it incredibly humors to see some of the people in town even attempt dancing, let alone for the sun. “I’ll be logical and say I doubt it’d work,” turning to her, the grin spread across his lips, “but I’d be lying if I said it wouldn’t be hilarious to try.”

“Hey you never know. Those Native Americans were probably onto something,” Nora muttered with a little smirk. She didn’t believe in any of that stuff, but she’d be willing to try anything to see if it worked. “What would be hilarious is trying to convince everyone else to start dancing with us.”