Page 21 of Hell and High Water

“I think we all have a lot of explaining to do. Like why you guys are hiding out up here, or why you’re naked and having a party and I wasn’t invited.”

“It’s a long story,” Gavin rumbles.

“Definitely long.” Ora flicks one last glance at Gavin’s impressive length peeking out from under the towel. “And a thick story too, by the looks of things…”

I never thought I'd see the day when I’d catch Gavin Rorschach blushing.

“Unless you guys want to finish first. I did interrupt…”

“Uh, I…” Gavin fumbles, dashing for his room.

“Or I could watch!” she calls after us as we close our doors. “You guys suck!”

Several rushed dressing minutes later, we’re back downstairs, Gavin pretending like nothing happened and Ora beaming across the counter top at me, her face resting on her palms.

“Ooh! Make us a snack, burly man!” Ora giggles. Gavin just sniffs a chuckle and digs through the pantry. “Hell. You need to spill the beans. Now. I have been worried sick about you!”

“I’m sorry, I’ve been a little…”

“Under the weather,” Gavin finishes.

“Under the weather. That’s a gunshot.” She gives us both a flat stare.

“And I was unconscious for…”

“Just over a week.”

“You call that under the weather? Really?”

“It’s healing up very nicely,” I offer innocently.

“You’re starting to sound as crazy as me, as callous as Rorshak here, and as diluted as Tell!”

“Stop with the compliments, would you?” Gavin drawls, slapping together some sandwiches.

“You know, Granddaddy always said you are a badass, but it turns out you're also a dumbass!” Ora giggles, leaning back in her chair. “Now will one of you please tell me who the fuck shot Hell and what’s going on? Seriously, though.”

“You serious? Wow.” I give her an incredulous look. Gavin scowls his usual disapproval.

“You'd better watch it, Ora. Gavin might not put up with your nonsense like I do…”

“Psh…whatever. The Eraser is a big teddy bear, after all.”

“Do not call me that,” Gavin snaps.

“Sorry, what, then?”

“Try my name? Gavin?”

“Nah… I’ll think of something better eventually.” She winks, brightening the entire room with her presence.

“It’s so good to see you, Ora.”

“You too, Hell. I’ve missed you. So. You’re alive. You got into some shit. Start. Talking.”

I take a breath, looking down at my hands for a second.

Can I tell her everything? Should I?

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