the ocean calls

rory can now be found on @heartbattled

“You should have seen my smile when I was a little kid!”  Orel slapped his knee like what he was about to say was going to be the funniest joke ever told.  He didn’t know the first thing about reacting appropriately to normal everyday things and conversations were no exception!  “Do you see my dimples?!”  Unnecessary dramatic pause here!  “When I was six or seven or eight they were ALWAYS on my face, even when I wasn’t smiling– which didn’t happen often thank God!  I’m super glad it’s still a lovely smile!  Thank you!  You sure are nice to people you’ve only just met, ma’am!  My name’s Orel!  What’s yours?!”

Jerrie spins around on her toes amidst the ebb and flow of the low tide, her arms spread out. As much as her brother used to tease her about having gills and webbed feet, she was (much to her own disappointment) born of flesh and blood rather than sea foam. Still, it’s not that difficult to mistake her for such a creature; the sea feels more like home than her cold and lonely tower mansion. 

She inches towards the girl, smiling at her and outstretching her arms to twirl around with her. 

kaylee has always been a happy person, and she loves sharing that happiness with others, be it with a helping hand or a kind word. she said rory’s eyes are gorgeous because she genuinely believes that they are. she smiles back, as brights as ever. “well, i think it should be.”

“I’m doing well. Just taking some time to relax during my lunch break. Get out of the office and have some fresh air.”

Bishop smiles.

“How are you adjusting? Settling down okay?”

Rory nods in understanding. She can only imagine how stuffy it must be in the office. She’d hate that. She much prefers being out in the open, with lots of space - like in the ocean.

is it dishonest? uma wouldn’t know much about that. there’s treasure down there, and sure, maybe it should belong to the crown or whatever, but ben’s not exactly dredging the ocean and the mermaids aren’t going to do it either (they’re too busy in their golden city, and too afraid) so why not take what you need? that’s her whole life, isn’t it? take what you want, whatever you want. it’s always worked for her. “ our little secret, though, hm? i don’t want everyone nickin’ my shit. ”

Bishop walks over and does as Rory asks.

“Hi! How are you? It is good to see you again.”

evie perks up to attention as rory bumps her, watching her hands before turning to look at the dress, and then back to the other girl. her head tilts to the side, deep in thought, before a smile spreads on her face. “i think you’d look beautiful in it, rory.”

Seeing Rory’s excitement, Bishop’s smile grew wider.

“Is it okay if I come sit by you?” Bishop signed, still not wanting to intrude on the young woman’s space.

A few weeks later, Bishop noticed a familiar face at a local cafe. They didn’t want to disturb the young woman (who knew if she even remembered them), so they simply waved and smiled across the tables.

“The pleasure is mine.”

Bishop smiles brightly and extends their hand for a shake.

“I don’t want to keep you, but have safe travels.”

Their hand extends for a shake and Rory happily takes it, shaking their hand softly.

“You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help. Be safe.”

Bishop smiles at the other woman.

“I’m Deputy Bishop, by the way,” they say, finger-spelling their last name quickly. The woman before them doesn’t need the deputy taking up too much of their time, but it’s at least nice to know the name of the person you’re helping.

There’s a soft smile on Rory’s features, watching as Bishop spells out their name. She’s incredibly grateful to have at least one person around that knows how to sign, at least one person who isn’t a complete asshole. She’s met far too many of those in her life.

Bishop studies the map and points at a location.

“You are right here. The cafe is three blocks ahead, then turn right and go one block. It should be the third one on the right.”

kaylee takes a step back to admire her work; it was a simple flower, one of the small, purple-blue ones that you can find pretty much anywhere, but she thought it would compliment the other girl’s eyes. “you’re welcome,” she replies. “a beautiful flower for a beautiful girl.”