A/N: I decided on trying for a present tense story, which is something that I really struggle with. So if it drifts in and out I apologize for that.
-SM
The cold air brushes against my feathers, weather has been slightly more nipping as of late. Even for Antarctica's standards. Which has makes Skipper a little more on edge, something about steep changes in temperature always makes him suspicious. I think he's just a little too paranoid.
"Kowalski! Stop writing, we need to go get rations for the day." he snapped, already leaving the cave.
I always had to remember in the back of my head, days like these altered his attitude as well. I assume Skipper is pressure sensitive, that's what makes him all weird like this, is what I'm guessing. I enjoy his ups and downs, as psychotic as it might sound. It makes him an even better leader.
"Coming!"
Pomatomus saltatrix – Or Bluefish, commonly known as the 'Snapper' is one of my favorite kinds of fish in the world. I could live off it if I was given the chance. In these waters, they are quite uncommon though. Food is food, as one would say.
I caught up with Skipper as fast as I could, meeting him at the ice's edge. His concentration seeming to fixate on the dark waters below. Something compelled me to do the same, seeing nothing but our reflections. Maybe I wasn't looking as hard as him because before I knew it Skipper was already deep in the water, searching for our food for the day. I always have such trouble keeping up with Skipper's compulsive behavior, never does he give me a forewarning of what he'll do. He just...does and expects me to know what he'll do. I guess I haven't been paying much attention to him these last seven months of knowing him.
"You gunna help me or not, Kowalski?" his firm voice asked, already having brought up about seven our eight fish while I was in my train of thought. I need to stop doing this.
"Uh..yeah, sorry. Was thinking." I mutter apologetically.
Skipper gave me an unsatisfied look, which made me hesitate to say anything further.
"Gotta work on that. Your a good ally, Kowalski, I don't want to lose you to your thoughts." He laughs with a hint of seriousness that I could pick up quite easily.
"Agreed, Skipper. Sorry." I reply quickly before jumping into the water.
"You know I enjoy it here, Kowalski. I'm glad that I found you when I was exiled here." Skipper comments, his mouth full of fish. I wasn't sure what came over me but I felt a smile spread over my beak. My flippers began to tingle as I held on to my piece of fish.
"Well, I'm...happy too, Skipper."
I mumble stupidly, unsure of how to reply to that.
"I normally don't say this, but I think I can trust you. Something tells me that you will be the greatest team member I will ever find." Skipper says, finishing off his last fish of the night. Time really does fly when your with a good friend.
To be honest, Skipper is my only friend. When my colony migrated, my instincts told me to come back later than everyone else. I guess. I think Skipper noticed my sudden change in expression, his eyes are dead set on me.
"Wh-what?" I question, nibbling on the last bit of fish.
He gets up and walks over to the opening of the cave, forcing our make-shift snow door shut.
"Nothin', Kowalski. You must be thinking again...right?"
Skipper seems to have a knack for picking in my head and he hasn't even known me that long. Am I that predictable?
"Something like that." I trail off, not wanting to give him satisfaction. He grins and comes over, taking my fish and dropping it off in our pile of fish carcases.
Skipper fixes up a few snow cushions for our heads and sets them next to one another, "I think I its time we hit the sack." he says, laying down on one of the little lumps.
I didn't feel all that tired, but rather I comply than make a scene over something so insignificant. I nodded and got up from where I was sitting, waddled over to Skipper and laid in front of him. Doing my best to get comfy.
"G'night Kowalski." he whispers, the warm breath expelling from him sending shivers up my spine as it hit my neck.
I fumble around with my words before I can manage to get out what I want to say, "Night S-skipper, sleep well."
"You too." Skipper replies quickly.
I gasp loudly and sit up from the stone floor beneath me, a cold sweat trickling down my feathers. Nightmare. These dreams have been recurring for a good week now. They all end up with me being alone, getting hurt or close to death. Before my maker can finish me off, this is how I end up. Sitting here feeling like I pissed myself and breathing like I've held my breath for an hour. After my erratic fit of breaths I turned to look at Skipper, undisturbed by my upsets. He seemed to be smiling in his sleep, a smile that I haven't seen before. Must be having a better night of sleep than I, that's for sure.
Feeling restless I get up and begin waddling over to the entrance of the cave, a low howl of the wind coming from the cracks that Skipper or I have never bothered to fill. The sound always calms me down, never sure why...but whenever I'm having a bad dream or night its comforting sound can always make me feel better.
The reason this has been happening all week has perplexed me, nothing different has been happening. Skipper and I go out for our daily practice routines, get food, and meet up with locals every now and then as scarce as they are. All the same.
My flippers stopped shaking, along with my feet. Which was a good indication I can sleep again. I took my place right next to Skipper again, wriggling about until I felt comfortable. I let out a heavy sigh, trying to release all my bad thoughts. Closing my eyes I felt something wrap around my stomach, Skipper's flipper. Instantly I froze in place, unsure if he was awake.
"S-sorry Skipper...bad dream." I sputter out in another fit of nervousness.
No response. My eyes wander over to see if he was up, Skipper was still passed out. If you didn't know it you may have thought he was dead. I relaxed, shyly scooting back into his front, as I assumed I wanted him to.
Sleeping in his arms that night, felt better than anything I've ever felt..
