Common Ground
(Takes place two weeks after 'A Traitor Among Us.')
It obviously sucked to be away from home. And it was hard to be away from friends, it's especially hard wondering if said friends are okay. Nosedive was lying on his bed, reading a few comic books. This time, about a big blue critter called a 'hedgehog', and it can run really fast. However, comics were not the only thing on the teenager's mind.
'She would love this,' He thought as a young female duck came to mind. A duck with light grey feathers, black hair, and pretty magenta colored eyes. Before he could indulge further, Nosedive shook his head in denial. Thinking about this really hurts his chest. But what made it especially hard, is that there was nobody to talk to about his problem. Not even his big brother.
"Ugh! The heck with this!' He groaned as he stood up, putting his comic book on his bedside. 'I gotta get some air."
Nosedive dug his shoes out from under the bed, which were sitting next to some dirty underwear, a stinking gym shirt and an old pizza crust. How did that get there anyway? After putting them on, he walked out his door. He decided to go up and out through the rec room, he didn't want to chance running into his brother if he went through the main hangar. But as he stepped through the door, he saw Grin sitting on the floor meditating. Every other time Nosedive saw him, Grin was doing just that.
'Doesn't that guy have a real hobby?' The teenager couldn't help but think. Nosedive shook it off and walked to the elevator and then stopped. Because Grin had opened one eye and was now looking at him.
"I sense that your spirit is troubled, Young one."
The teenage duck had been around this guy for a while now, but he still finds ways to surprise him. Even so, Nosedive tried not to show that he was bothered by that statement. "Eh...Lucky guess."
"The path from inner turmoil begins with a friendly ear.' the big duck replied. 'My ear is open if you care to use it."
Nosedive hesitated. Should he talk to this guy? Then again, given the choice between sitting with this odd duck or going out among humans, he'd rather do the first thing. "Why not? It's not like I have anything better to do."
So he just walked to one of the couches to sit down, to find Grin standing up he could join him. At first Nosedive didn't know what to say, but he didn't want to leave the big guy hanging. So he decided to just go for it.
"You know how you know someone, and this somebody means a lot to you, but now you're here and said somebody is back home?' The teenager asked, hoping the big drake would catch on. 'I've just been missing a friend of mine lately,' Nosedive continued. 'Sure I've got a few friends back at home, but this one, she's the coolest."
While Grin's expression did not change, he seemed to have a curious look in his eyes. "What is her name?" he asked.
"Skate.' The teenager replied, then added. 'A-and don't ask what her real name is. I promised her I wouldn't tell."
Grin only hummed in acknowledgement.
"Skate's got some way past awesome skills, and she's super smart in her own way. And, she's really fun.' Nosedive went on about his friend. 'So anyway Grin, I know we gotta take down Ol' Lizard Lips, but…"
"You wish to see your friend." Grin concluded. The teenager just nodded, growing sad at the thought of his best friend. The giant of a bird gently touched Nosedive's shoulder. "Young one, I understand how you feel."
Nosedive looked at him. Did he really mean that? "You do?"
"I too have someone left behind.' He continued, in doing so a smile grew on his face. 'Evangeline. She is strong as she is noble and as graceful as a flowing mountain spring. Ever since we were children, we have known each other."
The younger duck was surprised. The way that Grin spoke of this 'Evangeline', it almost sounded like... like he was in love or something. And Grin hardly shows other emotion than being mellow, except anger...But before he could ask, Grin had a question of his own.
"I am curious though. Why do you not speak with your brother about Skate?"
"Well…' Nosedive looked at a tad flustered as he recalled the incident. 'Let's just say after the first meeting, Wildwing still gets steamed whenever I mention Skate, cause he thinks she's no good. And trust me when I tell you this Grin. When it comes to me, Wing is a complete mother hen." Nosedive continued as a peeved tone grew in his voice. "Ohh...sometimes I just wanna-!"
Sensing the teenager's growing anger, Grin didn't want to press it any further, but replied. "Sometimes fear makes one do strange things, Little friend. Because he is your brother, I believe Wildwing only wishes to protect you. Because he cares for you."
"Yeah, maybe. But it doesn't make it any less annoying.' Nosedive responded as he mentally counted to ten. 'I mean, I don't tell Wildwing who to be friends with. ...do I?"
Grin looked at him with a "teaching" look. "Perhaps. But all true brothers, care for each other." Nosedive just sighed, knowing Grin was right. He loved his brother, but a lot of times Wildwing fusses over the silliest things. But who is he to complain now? Wildwing is the only family he has on this Weirdo World.
"I know. You're right, man." he replied. 'Thanks for the talk." The bigger bird nodded in response. "Hey, wanna see what's on TV?" Nosedive asked, reaching for the remote that was sitting there.
"TV is but a luxury.' Grin replied. 'One that I wouldn't mind." Nosedive lowered his eyes. 'A yes would've been good too.' He thought, but didn't say out loud. Nosedive was going to see Skate again someday, but until then, it looks like he's himself another friend.