As the sun began to rise, I did one last sweep and, seeing nothing, retreated back into the diner. I smiled at Arizona and Babydoll curled up together, sleeping. They looked happier there then I’d ever seen either of them, and it made me grin to know that Babydoll was safe without me or Mighty Mouse hovering over her. I started picking things up and cleaning. I heard a clapping behind me and turned to see Babydoll trying to get my attention. I put a finger to my lips, trying to get her to let Arizona sleep, picking her up carefully. I gritted my teeth as I felt my wound again, but stayed quiet. I turned my back to start packing up when two arms wrapped around my waist, causing me to jumped three feet off the ground before realizing it was Arizona.
“Jeez, you scared me.” I hugged him best I could as I continued packing up. “What are you, some sort of ninja?”
“You didn’t wake me up.” He sounded groggy, but almost a little hurt. “You didn’t sleep at all, did you?”
“I’m used to it, don’t worry.” I turned around and pecked him on the lips. “You looked like you needed the sleep anyway.”
“I still could have pulled a shift. You needed sleep more than I did, or do.” He responded still sounding groggy and hurt.
“Then I’ll make it up to you later.” I kissed him playfully, pulling away quickly.
“Oh, don’t be a tease, Sunshine.” He said then grinned. “We should get going really soon.”
“Okay, can you find Babydoll some food? I’ll pack up.”
“Yeah, I’ll also put the mattress away.”
“Dude, that thing’s heavy, how’d you carry it by yourself?” I said over my shoulder. “I’m telling you, you got that freakish brute strength.”
“It’s really not heavy at all, but I guess if you wanna think I have strength like Superman then go ahead.” He told her then took Babydoll off her hip, holding out a hand of Cheerios. She picked them up one by one, chomping on them and grinning at Arizona.
“All right then, Superman, we need to get moving, right?” I looked insistently at him. He sighed, rolled his eyes melodramatically and handed Baby and her Cheerios back to me. I kept feeding her while Arizona picked the mattress up easily, hauling it outside without breaking a sweat. I stared at him, mouth agape, before turning back to Babydoll.
“We need to wean him off those steriods, eh Baby?” I winked at her and made a face, which caused her to laugh hysterically and clap her hands.
“Ok, it’s all loaded, let’s get going.” He said slipping his Toxic jacket on.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming, I’m coming...” I hauled my duffel onto my shoulder and winced. Arizona, seeing my face, took my bag from me.
“I’m hurt, not disabled.” I glared at him.
“Consider this me paying you back for the watch.” He grinned at me and took my duffel outside. I rolled my eyes and followed him, opening the passenger door and setting Babydoll inside. She quickly climbed over to Arizona’s lap and nabbed his goggles off the dashboard, examining them with fascination
“Might have to get you a pair, huh Baby?” Arizona smiled, moving her to sit in the driver’s seat. She just stared at him adoringly, having absolutely no idea what he was saying.
“Yeah, don’t worry, I will search high and low for a pair to have for your own.” He winked at her as we pulled away from the gas station. I smiled and settled into the seat, shortly falling asleep.
