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"Feh. Not like I plan on catching much." As if out of spite, Ashley's fishing rod nearly falls overboard from something violently tugging on it.
[ATLETHIC PHYSIQUE] Instinct immediately kicks in. You don't think she actually knew how to fish before inviting her but you could've been fooled otherwise. With a single strong pull, she reels in a massive fish about the size of your thigh and throws it onto the deck of the ship.
[STEADY HANDS + HARD WORKER] Adam is more methodical in his fishing technique. With patience and quick, deft movements, he manages to reel in fish after fish like he's a god damn master fisher.
After handing the sudden rush of fish being lured to their rods, Adam is the first one to speak up. "I think this is the first time since Benedict's incident that I had a moment to, well, think. Maybe I'm getting superstitious but you're a good luck charm, Nicole."
"Ehhhh?" You make a conflicted noise in the back of your throat.
"Ehhhh?" Ashley joins you in your confusion. "She's useful, sure, but I wouldn't say a good luck charm. Though I guess she can scare all the bad luck away."
"It's been like a week already, I told you that-" You try to defend yourself but Ashley shushes you.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. And I'm glad you've been doing better." Ashley lets out a small sigh. "I dunno. Just reminded me too much of...me. I guess."
"Huh?" Adam tilts his head to the side. "I'm sorry but you two could not be any more different. Mind clarifying?"
"Fuck, I dunno. Shit was real bad with me and my family a couple years back. I know what it's like to be in a bad headspace. Kinda why I don't judge him too much." She nods her head towards Benedict's direction. "Better now, course, but it sorta fucks me how one bad day could've turned me into that. You know?"
"Well," You rub the back of your neck. "It wasn't just one bad day."
"Yeah." Adam sighs. "Yeah, it was a lot more than that. But what happened happened."
"Fair. But yeah, aside from having to listen to an old man having a schizophrenic episode about an anomaly? The last few missions have been...nice, actually." Ashley says with obvious hesitation. It's like she doesn't want to admit she's actually enjoying your company. "Dunno. Fuck, man, can't name the last time I talked to anyone besides Patricia and Ried. I guess Nadir sometimes?"
"Hey, I'm glad you don't hate being with me?" You snort. "Uh. Who the fuck is Nadir anyways?"
"Ah. Just my other brother. Besides, uh, Ashton." Ashley awkwardly coughs. "Only two family members I keep in contact with, really. Mom's been out of the picture and Dad...eh."
"At least you still have family. Can't remember the last time I even seen any of my relatives. It's mostly been me and Benedict." Adam begins to wrap up the fish he caught. Lex and Benedict finish up their own fishing and begin to bundle up their fish as well.
All and all, it was a nice time for you and your group.
>+1 RESTRAINT TO ALL ALLIES! +1 EXTRA RESTRAINT TO ADAM FROM HARD WORKER!