"So how are you doin'?" Skittery asked as he and Penny stood on the fire escape of the lodging house, taking in the cool evening air from over the river.
She shrugged. "Exhausted," she replied, leaning against the rusted metal railing. "And more than a little bit scared."
Skittery put an arm around her, pulling her into his chest. "Things will turn out okay, I promise."
"How?" Penny rested her forehead against his chest, sighing deeply. "Elise has a baby now, and the three of us have no real home to speak of, I can't walk around without having to look over my shoulder every two seconds, and now you and Crutchy are getting attacked on our behalf!" She pounded her tiny fist against his chest, crying now. "All I want is for my life to be normal again! I just want to go home!" On those last words, she collapsed against him, sobbing hysterically.
"Shh, Penny," Skittery stroked her hair and rocked her back and forth. "Penny, baby, you are home."
He let her cry for a few minutes, just to get out all the pent-up stress and anger and emotion. When she finally stopped, she pulled away and apologized.
"It's okay," he said softly, drying her cheeks with his thumbs. "Just calm down. Everything's going to be just fine."
"What about you? And Crutchy? And the McKennons?"
"What about 'em?" He shrugged. "Mush knows a kid, just got outta the refuge today. He says they're in there, will be for a few months at least, what with all the shit the police got 'em on." Skittery smiled, a little proud of himself. "As for me an' Crutchy, nobody knows we was there, an' so we ain't gonna get in any trouble."
"But they beat the two of you up pretty bad..."
"Yeah, well, it'll heal. I figure my nose is prob'ly broken, and one of Crutchy's teeth got knocked loose, but that's the worst of it. We'll be okay. Promise."
Penny nodded, and on that, Skittery kissed her. "Oh!" He exclaimed, digging into his pocket. "Almost forgot to tell you. Me and the boys, we saved up some money to help Elise and the baby out, y'know, feed 'em and pay for some lodging, since she won't be able to go back to work for a little while." He pulled a bag out of his pocket, pushing it into her hand. "Don't say no. You can't work enough for the both of you, and a baby. You'll need it."
She smiled and hugged him, then looked in the window when she heard Killian cry. "I guess we'd better get back in there," she said, climbing through the window and back into the lodging house.
A/N:I realize this is shorter than normal. But I just wanted something that showed a little emotion, something that showed the dynamics of Skittery and Penny's relationship. I think it's rather sweet. I'm very proud of it. Oh, and congratulate me on making it to chapter 17 and NOT abruptly ending the story! Haha! Okay, I love you guys. R&R and I'll give you a Tootsie Pop! -Layne