Knock on Wood

Clara frowned. "But I do have to go into town sometime today. If someone wants to come with me, we could pick some up for the Dorothy Nott."

"I want to come," Minikin piped up, blinking hopefully at Lorelei.

Lorrie nodded "If it's alright with Clara."

"Of course it's alright." Clara said, "More than happy to have you along."

She stood to her feet. "We'll go right after I finish the kitchen."

Booth opened his mouth to offer his assistance.

"No, They all cut in before he could utter a sound.

Clara grinned and stacked the rest of the plates. "Sit tight." she told the group, "I'll be back in a jiffy."

And with that, she disappeared into the kitchen, leaving the crew alone.

"...So..." Booth adjusted his salt-filmed glasses, glancing around the room.

Minikin blinked at him, then at Nance, then Syrus.

"Wish ye would say sumthin', kid," the crusty pirate growled. "Gets a bit creepy, you just starin' like that..."

Clara dumped the dishes into the sink, pumping in water and looking for her dish towel.

"Oh," she said absently, spotting it on the counter. "Whoops. 'D lose my head if it weren't attached."

"She seems like a nice lady," Coran began, for lack of anything else to say.

Nance held back a snicker. "Haven't you said that about any lady you've met?"

"No... maybe... possibly."

Syrus chuckled. "The kid has a point thar, O' Shalley."

Clara rinsed the dishes.

((lol))

"Well, can you blame 'im? What with the trauma an' whatnot, I'd prolly'd want a lady ta sweet up with, too!"

Coran whirled on Rudy. "Will you all just DROP IT!?"

...Silence.

Clara peeked her head into the room, furrowing her brow ever-so-slightly. "Something the matter?"

"Heh, no, nothing," Coran grinned. "Nothing at all."

Nance coughed, earning a threatening glance from his brother.

"Mm'kay." she said, "Call if you need anything."

She vanished back into the kitchen and started washing dishes.

Coran grinned at Clara, then turned back to glare at his crewmembers. "This is over," he stated, shooting daggers at Rudy, Nance, and Syrus, respectively.

"Sure it is. Sure," Rudy chuckled.

Ten minutes, and Clara had returned to the kitchen.

"Are you ready, Minkin?"

The child nodded, skillfully hiding a smile as everyone immediately quit grinning at Coran. "She slid off her chair, stepped after Clara, then paused. Minikin turned, stooped, picked up Tikkat, and went back to her place. "Ready."

{Wait, wha? Since when did I get forced inta this, eh? Don't I 'ave a say in this?}

Clara smiled fondly. "Alright then. We'll be back in a little while. Anybody need anything while I'm gone?"

"A new older brother," joked Nance, ducking a swing from Coran.

Syrus wiggled his brows. "Ye wouldn' mind bringin' me back a keg or two o' nice ale, would ye?"

"Mister Syrus," Lorelei said in a warning tone.

Clara grinned, and winked. "I'll keep my eyes peeled." she teased.

"Atta gerl," Syrus laughed.

Lorrie smiled. "Behave, little one."

Minikin nodded.

Clara grabbed a coat--just in case--and traipsed out the door, Minkin in tow.

Blonde hair swishing behind her, the little girl kept up with Clara, holding Tikkat to her chest.

"So, Minkin. Have any favorite foods? I'm going to pick up some groceries while we're out."

Minikin blinked up at her, thoughtful. "...I like fruit," she said at last with an air of finality. "We don't get a lot of fruit on the ship."

{{What about fish, eh? No 'ne asks me wha' I want...}}

Clara nodded, making a mental note. "Alrighty then. You can help me pick out the best fruit we can fine."

[[XD Pooooor, mistreated Tikkat. ]]