2nd case.

[dorkwonder]

Hey, we need to talk. Can we meet at your room in a few?

Comments

[dorkwonder]

I know, and I'm okay. Being here just gives me a lot to think about.

[Shoves his thoughts off to the side. He can go brood over them later.]

[secondchances]

You're free to bounce any thoughts off me, if you want. I've become a good listener.

[dorkwonder]

Any tips on how people like us keep our sanity here would be useful. [No more running off in the night with a mask on, to distract himself from his problems and work off his stress.]

[secondchances]

Make friends.

[Easy. And she'll be carefully letting go of his hand, now. That's enough contact for one year.]

[dorkwonder]

That simple, huh? [Closes his hand into a small fist once she moves her hand.]

[secondchances]

I think so. It's good, I think, to have a sort of... support system. I've been low on friends here, and let me tell you--that? Not fun.

[dorkwonder]

[Thinks back to how Conner told him they all have to spend time together, do somewhat normal things, and be there for each other, just before everything went to hell.]

You might be onto something there.

[secondchances]

Just a bit. You're lucky that you started off with me and Kara.

[dorkwonder]

Is that what we're calling it? [Grins, teasing her.]

[secondchances]

I can reach your shins under this table, you know. Just keep that in mind.

[dorkwonder]

I might be new to this, but I don't think threats of violence help with th whole supportive thing.

[secondchances]

It's the Stephanie Brown method of support.

[dorkwonder]

I thought the Stephanie Brown method involved waffles and pep talks?

[secondchances]

And a little bit of violence when certain people are being butts.

[dorkwonder]

Noted. [Peeks out the window again. ] We should finish up soon. Ace has been out there for awhile.

[secondchances]

Sure. [She starts seriously working on her salad, but has to comment.]

Such a protective mama.

[dorkwonder]

What do you mean? I just want to make sure he doesn't get cold.

[secondchances]

I mean it doesn't look like I'm going to have to ask any favors of you when it comes to helping out with Ace.

[dorkwonder]

He's not just our dog; he's been the family dog. It's our turn to make sure he's being taken care of the way Bruce would want him to be looked after.

[secondchances]

[Ouch, her heart.]

Don't worry, he's been thoroughly spoiled. Sleep on the bed and everything, gets all the treats and games of fetch from one of the kids... he's living the life.

[dorkwonder]

Sounds like it. How old is he? [Begins to polish off his salad. ]

[secondchances]

No idea. I just know "not a puppy" and "young enough to run around" still.

[dorkwonder]

That's helpful.

[secondchances]

Hey, I'm not a dog expert.

[dorkwonder]

I'm not either, but I am sure we can figure it out somehow. [Finishes off his salad and sets his utensils down. ]