Sallie and Splinter.

[realmrsreynolds]

Sallie and Splinter are both people of patterns. So, when two people who live on their routines cause their routines to be altered - sometimes they merge.

In other words, Sallie is in Mike's suite with Splinter watching his stories. (They still only get parts of Sallie's attention, but she likes being with him here.)

After the credits start rolling:

"Can rats swim?"

Comments

[mnr_splinter]

"Of course," he says absently as he continues to scan the credits for names he recognizes. Or at least conglomerations of symbols that he recognizes.

"There is a reason we were the first creatures to flee a sinking ship. Because we knew we could outswim the humans."

[realmrsreynolds]

"Hmm. True."

And then no other commentary for a minute.

"Have you given any thought to trying it as you are now?"

[mnr_splinter]

"To what? Swimming?"

Now she's got his full attention.

[realmrsreynolds]

"No, fleeing a sinking ship."

Really, Splinter. Get with the program.

"Yes, swimming. Any thought to it?"

[mnr_splinter]

"Prior to this moment I hadn't given it any consideration. It is not something I have done in quite some time and as I am now..."

He gives her a look.
A look that clearly shows that he's on to her.

"Do you wish to go swimming, Sallie?"

[realmrsreynolds]

"If you'd want to!"

It's quick and a cover-up like nobody's business.

[mnr_splinter]

Uh huh, says Splinter expression.

Though that expression changes when he begins to think about this activity in a logistical way. Splinter's never had to wear a swimsuit before.

[realmrsreynolds]

Sallie interprets this as thinking too hard, which sets Sallie to rambling.

"We don't have to, you know. And I can teach you if you want - or we could just get floaty bits and hang about in the water drinkin' martinis.

"Whichever."

[mnr_splinter]

Splinter reaches out and gives her hand a gentle pat.

"I was merely considering the attire appropriate for the activity, though the prospect of martinis is a delightful one."

He likes the olives.

[realmrsreynolds]

Oh.

Sallie nods, smiling back at him. "I've got a suit here I've not worn in ages. I'm sure we could find you somethin'."

[mnr_splinter]

"I could ask Bar for a suit, or..." He turns to look down the hallway towards Michaelangelo's room.

"Dare we rummage?"

[realmrsreynolds]

"Sure. There has to be something not entirely frightening in there."

Sallie stands to move towards Mike's room. Sorry Mike. It's for the good of the cause, she jokes in her head.

[mnr_splinter]

"I will believe that when I see it," he mutters as he gets to his own feet and begins to make his way down the hallway.

Even though his son is not at home, Splinter still knocks on the door before entering the room.

Splinter is taken aback by what he sees.

"It...this is the cleanest I have ever seen this room."

True there are a piles of comics and books on the floor next to the bed, and yes there's a small pile of clothing where Mike clearly undressed the night before, but the room aside from that is damn near immaculate.

[realmrsreynolds]

"How recently did this all happen you think?"

Her mind goes directly to Mel, even as she goes towards a chest of drawers.

[mnr_splinter]

"Your guess is as good as mine," he says knowing her guess is likely to be the same as his.

"The bottom drawer," he says distantly as he looks around his son's room. It's...eerie.

[realmrsreynolds]

They are the brightest things in the drawer. (Which says something.)

Sallie stands, holding a pair of bright blue knee-length swimming trunks with a yellow cartoon duck pattern on them for Splinter to view.

"You...is this acceptable? We can ask Bar too..."

[mnr_splinter]

He turns. The only change to his expression is the widening of his eyes.

"Sometimes I wonder about that boy," he says with a sigh. "Those will be suitable. If nothing else they will distract from my pathetic swimming."

[realmrsreynolds]

"Oh, don't worry, baobei, it'll be fun!"

Famous last words.

Sallie hands Splinter the trunks and heads back out into the hallway. "Want me to meet you back here after I change, or you want to come over to my room?"

[mnr_splinter]

Splinter takes the trunks, but keeps them at arms reach.

"I will change, pick up some provisions from the kitchen, and then meet you at your room. Any requests?"

[realmrsreynolds]

"Don't think so - Surprise me?"

Back out in the living room, Sallie slips her shoes back on and heads towards the door. "See you in a bit!"

Out in the hallway: This is going to either be awesome or horrible.

[mnr_splinter]

Several minutes pass before there's a knock on the door to Sallie's rooms.

Splinter has changed out of his usual maroon kimono, opting instead for one of blue. He might also be barefoot.

[realmrsreynolds]

Sallie is also barefoot when she answers the door in a light green beachcoat that ends the slightest bit below her hips.

"Are we ready?"

[mnr_splinter]

"As I believe we'll ever be."

He bends and picks up a familiar picnic hamper that he'd placed down on the ground.

"Shall we?" he offers her an arm.

[realmrsreynolds]

"Think we shall."

There is a moment in Sallie's head of hesitation, stepping out into the main bar wearing so little - even though she's not intending on lingering there. Should've thought about pants.

But they move outside, and the sun is out. Sallie steers them both towards the warmer waters of the inlet.

[mnr_splinter]

It's always fascinated Splinter how this portion of the Lake is always sunny, mild, with a fresh ocean breeze.

"Lovely, just lovely."