Episode 06 - Small Talk - 2/6

"Deputies might come this far," Sora said, her crimson uniform reminding the desert what color was. "We can go further," she declared, settling a hand on the warm leather of Raidon's saddle and leaning. It was a beautiful horse, and of superb craftsmanship. Certainly stolen. But with her back straight and her stride as long as Sai's, Sora wouldn't say out loud how thankful she was for the shade of the horse's body, but she tried to communicate as much to Raidon through her touch.

Sai shook his head. "No," he stated. He didn't believe Coyote had known. Hadn't even suspected. "If deputies come, we'll deal with them." Standing on the other side of Raidon, he scrubbed an arm against his forehead and breathed the full-on heat of the sun.

Sora's disapproval resonated between them, the stillness of the heatmade blanket strengthening the feeling. The grinding of dirt and sand beneath their boots, the even thop-thop of Raidon's measured step, and the subtle swishing of their clothing became unbearably loud. Both felt compelled to speak.

"We all need --" Sai began.

"We can't afford --" Sora started.