don't come in, water's not fine (tick & esther, day 1)

There's a tentative sort of stalemate that they reach. Opposites ends of the pond, they stay away from each other long enough for Tick to nurse his pride and wash most of the muck off.

The water isn't very deep. So it's a little awkward.

And his ego is a few sizes too big.

The streaks of the grave dirt come off easily. The mud from the bottom of the pond is more like a gumbo, stuck under his nails and bits of it in his hair. He's got his tunic and his shirt drying out on one of the high hanging roots, his boots upside down on the shore, but he keeps glancing over there every few seconds because he's fully aware by now that grabbing them and taking off is something Lu would absolutely do.

He still reserves one hand for a knife. Because he's not completely stupid. And he's grateful for it when the first branch snaps.

His first thought is it must be Lu. Finally here to take his clothes. Of course, how predictable. How embarrassing. Tick's got him figured out already.

It's not Lu, though. It's the girl from three. Esther.

He freezes.

The timing is a little. Sub-optimal.

Tick's not really dressed.

But. At least. According to what he can remember, she's blind. Small kindness? Terrible thing to think.

It's just that she is very, very close to where he left all his stuff.

"Hey-" He calls, then regrets it immediately, sinking a little deeper into the water. "Uh, don't step there."