it happens in a blink

Fantastic. I used to do the winking thing to… flirt, but that never went well because I was closing both eyes and it did not look sexy.

Well, uh, doesn't sound that bad, really, 'cause that's just blinking, and blinking's pretty normal. Actually, I don't think I'd even notice you'd tried to wink if you did that--unless you made it like a super obvious blink or something. Then maybe it'd be weird.

Alright, so, I’ve never been able to wink without closing both eyes. So, tell me, how does this look?

Like you're... closing only one eye? I'd call it a successful wink.

If you got a problem with the way I fucking run my compound then I suggest you keep it to yourself. Don’t have time for your shit.

I--didn't say anything... sir. I just--I might have figured something out for the uh, shutters. For the windows.

Pretty sure we’re supposed to store those over there.

Oh--I didn't--I need this, actually, for repairs--is it okay if I take it? I didn't uh, didn't realize you were doing storage... and stuff.

Oh, uh--is that time already? Actually, just--sorry, I've just gotta--I'll go.

Arthur gave an almost imperceptible shrug, “If we wish to have any hope in a future without it constantly looming over our heads, it needs to be done.” Arthur floated over to the next machine and continued scribbling in his notebook. He shook his head slightly, “Then you may want to stop turning your attention to me. I’ll be done shortly.”

Max's lips pressed into a line, for a long moment after that, the redhead was silent. Hammering rather than chattering filled the air around her as she swung the tool down onto the nail trapped between her fingertips. With that nail in place, she set the hammer down on the ladder's top step in front of her, bracing her arms beside it. "You uh, finding everything okay? Everything you need?" It was a useless inquiry, she knew; she wouldn't be of any help to the man, but she felt compelled to offer something.

"Mmm," he sounded, not particularly impressed by the answer but decided it was sufficient enough of an explanation. Arthur released a long-suffering breath, looking over the equipment, not paying much attention to the girl as he replied, "If you consider the virus ‘cool' then yes.” His turned around suddenly at the noise, he stared at her for a moment before he spoke, his brows lowered slightly, “Right… I didn't catch your name. I rather have it in case you successfully topple over next time and I have to inform someone of your injuries.”

At that, Max paused, not answering for a moment. She held onto the ladder, steadying her balance. "Uh, no, I don't--I wouldn't say it's cool, just that it sucks." She blew a breath out between her lips, lifting the hammer once again to drive the nail through. In the pauses between her hammering, she spoke, keeping her gaze on the task at hand. "Max," she responded, "and I won't topple, I just need to focus."

That’s all I need. I had this whole row down before they came running through here like they own the place. If you can help me dig the holes for that then we can be set at least for now.

Okay, I think I can manage that. But uh, do you have another... {She made a vague gesture with her hands at the trowel.} ... thing?

I don't share food, so don't even ask me

I uh, guess it's good thing I wasn't gonna ask, then, huh?

As long as you try.

Well, uh, at least that's one thing that hasn't change--kids not following the rules, I mean. But--sorry about your... stuff. Need some help? I'm not like, an expert gardener or anything, but I can dig a hole.

Oh, sorry, just--wow. That is... a mess.

Something the matter? 

Oh, uh--hey. It's nothing, really. Just... a lot of work to do.

Whoa--I haven't seen many dogs around here.

The good side is the only thing that gets me through this stuff, honestly, so I try really hard not to lose sight of it. Just try not to stress yourself out too much, alright?