JRWI tings :P

No.57

"Hey... You okay? Y'look... well not good-" Chip's voice was hesitant, it was obvious he was trying to keep from offending Jay, which she appreciated. He had failed, obviously. But the attempt was appreciated.

"Gee, thanks." Jay put on a much thicker tone of sarcasm, worried from her tired state that any sarcasm would sound like anger. Chip seemed to get it from the way he chuckled, the little bit of added anxiety lifting off of her.

"Well at least Apple will have a place to sleep-" Chip snickered again, his grin reappearing at Jay's rolling eyes as she raised a single finger to the brunette. Chip continued, "Anyway, I just wanted to see if you were doin' alright. Earl's made some breakfast, figured you were hungry." Despite his typical bastard nature, Jay was always warmed whenever Chip would check in on her. Especially after yesterday, it was certainly reassuring.

"Yeah, I'll uh... I'll be there in a minute-"

"Well, fix your hair first-"

"Of course. Gods forbid if Earl saw my hair like this-"

"You'd probably give him a heart attack."

The two paused before the silence was broken by their chuckles, Chip's more enthusiastic than Jay's, but they laughed all the same. Chip had started to back away, allowing Jay her own space. All the redhead could focus on was that the usual banter between them hadn't changed or gotten any harder. It was nice.

Chip had told Jay yesterday that she was still a Riptide Pirate, but she still had her worries and doubts. Any sense of normality (amidst the typical chaos) was something Jay would take great comfort in.

Finally noticing Chip was leaving, Jay spoke up, getting his attention. "H-Hey, Chip?"

"Yeah?" Chip stopped and turned to face Jay again, leaning against a wooden beam, crossing his arms loosely.

"Is... H-How is Gillion..? Is he okay?" Jay internally cringed at how small her voice came out, as well as the look on Chip's face. His brows furrowed, the corners of his lips threatening to turn downward.

"He... I mean he's okay. Still in a bit of pain, but he's being all Gill about it, y'know? Mr Destiny doesn't believe in resting fully." Chip gave a weaker grin, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

Jay felt the anxiety still resting on top of her chest weigh down even more. She nodded slowly and glanced down, wringing her hands. She shouldn't have asked.

"Hey..." Chip walked over towards Jay, sitting next to her. "Y'know, what happened yesterday. It wasn't your fault-"

"I shot him." Jay's voice sounded dull, empty. As if everything would fall apart if she allowed any emotion in her voice. If she was being honest, it probably would.

"Okay yeah, but it was because of your asshole dad-"

"I lied to you both."

"...Well if it helps, I kinda figured-"

"Chip, I'm serious." Jay finally turned to face Chip, tears were threatening to fall, but she willed them to stay. She wasn't going to cry.

"So am I!" Chip returned the same sincerity as Jay had. Jay had always noticed that whenever Chip was serious about something, his brows would furrow ever so slightly, his lips would tighten into a thin line. It never looked like an expression that should be on his face. The look always made Jay immediately miss his stupid jokes and the shit-eating grin he'd get when he knew he'd pissed someone (usually her) off effectively enough.

"Look, Jay, what happened yesterday was shit. For everyone. But all that matters is that you're here and you're safe. Gill's safe. And we have Drey! What did I say yesterday, huh?"