Charlotte was admittedly a little nervous about leaving. She had no idea where they were going, what they would see, when they would come back… She shook her head and tried not to think about that last one. It didn't really matter as much when you're actually on your first adventure.
"I can sense your nerves. Relax, Charlotte. This is about fun and seeing the world. Nerves and doubts have no place here."
Charlotte paused mid-flutter and looked over at him before continuing. “Am I that obvious? Or are you just that good at reading people?” she chuckled, trying to follow his advice.
He shrugged. "A little bit of both. When you spend so much time observing people, you learn to get pretty good at it."
Charlotte gave a soft hum and nodded. “Makes sense. I guess I'm just nervous because I've never gone anywhere. But I have to admit there are some things that I’ll be glad to get away from.”
"Don't we all? We all have the things we want to escape but never do for one reason or another. Now you don't have an excuse."
Charlotte giggled and nodded again. “You're right. This is a big opportunity for me. I can finally stop worrying about what people say or think about me.” she grinned. “And I'm not doing this alone either, so that's a relief.”
"Nope. It's just you and me. Me, who cares enough to bring you along and you, who cares enough to actually come with me."
“And try to keep you out of trouble.” she added with a playful wink.
"Yes yes, that too. Since I can't seem to do it myself." Rodney laughed, blushing an embarrassed pink.
Charlotte giggled and flew next to him, placing her hand on his shoulder. “Hey, don't be embarrassed. You still managed to survive on your own for quite a while despite that.” she encouraged.
"Yes, survive I did. But it was definitely surviving, not thriving. But hopefully now that'll be at least a little alleviated."
Charlotte nodded and moved to put a more comfortable distance between them again. “I can understand that and I hope so too. At least we won't be lonely as we travel.”
"That's very true. There's so many quiet nights as a traveller. Maybe now those nights won't feel quite so quiet."
“Not likely. Since I'm going to have so many questions to ask you.” Charlotte grinned, flying a bit ahead.
"But eventually those questions will slow down, won't they? I mean, even I don't know all the answers to things and you'll experience a lot of your own questions so you'll get your own answers."
“Possibly.” she shrugged. “But by then, we’ll have stories to laugh over, or adventures to plan… Or be busy taking care of each other.”
"Ah, it's like having my mother with me. Someone to tell me I'm being stupid but also tuck me in at night."
“Oh, I wouldn't go that far.” Charlotte laughed. “I mean, I can definitely tell you when you're being stupid, if you want but I'm not sure about tucking you in.”
"Then what's the point?" Rodney laughed as he threw his hands up in exasperation. "Now it's pointless!"
“Keep your voice down. We're trying to sneak out of a town that you're currently wanted in.” she reminded him, still giggling. “Besides, is my companionship not enough?”
Rodney zipped his lips with a smile. "Sorry, sorry. I'm dramatic, drama must be big and loud for everyone to hear. But your companionship is more than enough, my friend."
“I know and I really don't mind but it would be safer if you hold in most of that dramatic flair until we get to the edge of town.” she smiled. “Thank you. I’m glad to hear that, my friend.”
"Ahhh but that's so boring." He huffed with a pout but he dropped it quickly. "I suppose you're right. No use in getting caught now. It'd be so disappointing."
Charlotte smiled and placed a quick kiss to his cheek. “Exactly. Far too disappointing when our journey just started.”
Rodney blushed a bright red at the affection. "You can't just do that, it's not fair. Not all of us are used to getting affection." He mumbled, flustered and embarrassed.
Charlotte giggled again, enjoying teasing him a little. “Oh, don't worry. You can tell me to back off if you want or you can get used to it. I can be fairly affectionate when the mood strikes me.” she warned with a wink.
"Ooo, surprises. Sounds exciting. What kind of adventurer would I be if I didn't invite surprises where I could get them?"
Charlotte almost blushed as she fixed a strand of her hair. “Well, I would assume you find plenty of surprises on your travels, but you still make a good point.“ she nodded. “An adventure without surprises sounds… a little boring.”
"Then it wouldn't be an adventure. It'd be a brisk stroll through nature. An adventure has something that makes it a story. That's why adventurers have so many tales to tell."