It wasn't easy taking care of a kid in this new world. Taking care of one and being stuck on vault duty was even worse. Getting transferred was a difficulty, but she was glad she finally was able to do so. It was a brutal world out there. The sea should do good things for his lungs. A somewhat sickly child, but that's what happens when the kid can't drink milk cause the mother couldn't get enough to eat herself. Not anymore though. Those days were behind her and him. All that were ahead were long days on the dock, and a little something something for herself.
"You smoking on break again, 435?" Asked a voice behind her.
435 took one final drag, and flicked the cigarette butt out to sea. "Sorry geezer. But I don't think what I do on my breaks concern you."
"I guess not. Kid is asking for you though."
"Thanks. Appreciate you looking out for them." 435 patted the man's shoulder through their rain slicker.
"Think nothing of it." Grinned the yellow teeth of the man. "You look after the town; I make sure the kids stay out trouble. Not enough kids around nowadays."
"You know, if you keep speaking like that, one might think you to be a predator or something."
"Heh-heh-heh, you know me. I'm Mr. Dockworker and you're never going to see your kids again!" The two then began to crack up, leaning on each other, enjoying the sunset. Eventually they recovered, neither knowing how long their cackling had gone on for. "Seriously though, 435, thank you. You have no idea how much more secure the town feels with an actual guard around."
"Just doing my job sir." 435 beamed with pride. "Just doing my job."
The man patted her armored pauldrons. "I know you are. But not everyone does. You up for stew tomorrow?"
"Oh, I couldn't. It would be too rude of me to intrude."
"Think nothing of it. I won't take no for an answer."
A cheeky smile showed up on her face. "Now, now, one might suspect you of ulterior motives with that sort of language Mr. Creepy Dockworker."
Gnarled teeth grinned back. "Now, Ms. Guard, what could you mean by that?"
The two enjoyed another laugh. "If I cannot refuse, then I guess I'll have to invite my son as well. He always seemed to like crab."
"That little rascal has been eating nothing but the thing since you two have moved here."
"Is that right? I wonder who keeps spoiling him like that. I know it's not me~"
Black pearly eyes echoed the shimmer of the sea. "I guess you got me Ms. Guard."
"You know I did. I get everyone."
