#fenixtj

The wind blows over them, clean air

She nods. "It... threw me off. I nearly..... over reacted."

"If it had hapepned, it wouldn't be over, but I understand. Are you feeling better now?"

"Not really. Now I feel guilty."

"Because... you ALMOST did something? Seems a bit like over reacting to the nearly over reacting " He says

She shrugs and shakes her head.

"Then?" Coaxing "If not that, why the guilt?"

"I can't afford to make that kind of mistake."

"Well, the good news is you didn't, the other good news is you're a quick learner" He says "I remember when you came in here...I thought, for a girl so blue she's really green...she's not going to make it. But damn if you didn't take that thought and beat me over my head with it. After that, well, I grew intrigued...you were more than a pretty face, strong arm, and attitude."

"Thanks?"

"Still kind of jealous the Dreaming got to tattoo you first" Food done, He rolls over on his back onto the blanket and looks up at her

"Wasn't my idea, I think."

"I never said I was always reasonable" Duff reaches up and strokes a strand of her hair

"You're only reasonable when it's annoying." Grumbled.

A bit of a snerk

"Hmmph."

His eyes are looking delighted. his jaw moves, just slightly.

"Sometimes I suspect you're glad I do unreasonble things now and then."

"As long as it doesn't leave a mess."

"I know folks who can take out bloodstains from carpet" He assures

"So do I."

She sucks on her soda.

"Am I damaged, or did you say that in a very enticing way?"

"You're damaged."

"So you admit you're attracted to damaged men. Good good . We can work from there" He looks content about it

A frown.

He notes the frown "Well, it felt like a joke when it left my mouth. " He props up to look at her questioningly.

A shrug. "Didn't hit my funny bone."

"Well, I'll leave it to Tonto. Damn that ice cream was funny" He admits

"I might have missed that."

"You did... " And he relates what she missed.

A faint smile. "I think Tonto will fit in well."

"I think you picked the best jester for the fit to Fenix" He agrees. "And your troubadours are both very talented women"]

"I hope it will work out."

"I think it will," He nods "Why'd you pick them particularly if I might ask?"

"Talent."

"Lots of it " he nods

"Yes." She looks out over the cliff and ocean.

He looks out too, quietly for a moment.

"I was very impressed with Piper's performance" He admits after a time

"She was very good."

"Did Rivervale proud I suspect" He looks over the cliff.

"She did."

He reaches out to take her hand "I could stay up here for hours"

She doesn't take her hand away; he holds it. After a long moment, she says "I can't stay -that- long."

"I understand" And. he seems to mean it. He doesn't follow up, or make commentary.

She takes a deep breath (again).

A soft squeeze and he..moves to offer his shoulder or jest to lean against or on. If she wishes

And they watch clouds race together

(End Scene)