[ when he scoops her up she coils her arms around his neck, pressing close as she stifles a sound of surprise. ] You didn’t have to do this… [ she whispers, eyes turning down as a small smile purses her lips. ] Thank you.

[ hold onto the things that make you feel like pepper. it all kind of does, at least to a degree, but what’s real and what’s not… for now she’ll cling to it all, because, like he’d said, some of what’s mismatched is still just as good. ] I will and, Randel, no matter what we’ll still be friends. [ since she has the sinking feeling she’s not from here like she believes she is. ]

Next time [ assuming there is a next time… ] I decide to go to the docks remind me that heels are not a good idea. [ she chuckles. ] I’m not looking to take another unexpected swim.