@downxbyxaxcove
Whom: Zora & Ace
Where: Outside the Marine Center
Zora hadn’t meant to still be at the marina this late. She’d told herself she was only staying long enough to finish labeling the last set of sample containers. Then long enough to double-check her notes. Then long enough to watch the way the light stretched gold across the water while the tide shifted slow and steady against the pilings.
Now the docks were quieter. Boats rocking soft. Lines creaking. The particular kind of evening hush that the Coast settled into when most people had already gone home for dinner. She was crouched near the edge of the walkway with her notebook balanced against her knee when she heard tires roll to a stop nearby. She didn’t look up right away.
“Pretty sure marine biology doesn’t technically require patrol supervision,” she called, flipping one last page before finally glancing toward the cruiser. Her mouth tipped into a small smile when she spotted him. “You know I don't share my location with you just so you can show up, Ace.” She pushed herself upright, brushing salt and dirt off her hands and stepping back from the edge of the dock.
“Before you say anything,” she added, already narrowing her eyes at him a little, “I’m not working late. I’m finishing late. That’s different.” She gave him a look. “You just getting off shift…” she asked, tilting her head slightly, “…or are you doing that thing where you drive around pretending you’re still on duty because you don’t feel like going home yet?”