Work Text:
John was waiting anxiously on the dock when Dave's boat came in from his second dive of the day. Along with his haul for the sushi bar, Dave unloaded a beautiful spotted navy blue-gray pelt.
John's eyes widened. "Holy shit, you actually got it back! What about the pirates, though? Will they come back for me?" He shook his head as he clutched the pelt to his chest. "Shit, sorry. What I mean to say is thank you."
Dave watched him stroke the pelt as he started stripping his gear. "Actually, your friends down there took care of them after I got that back." He inclined his head toward the pelt. “I don’t think they’ll be bothering any of you again.”
“Guess you’re not a former navy seal anymore, huh John?” Dave chuckled at his own stupid joke while John groaned.
“Wow, can I take back my part of the deal now? That was horrible.”
“Absolutely not.” replied Dave. “Deal stands. I got the pelt, I let you advise me on sustainably diving on your turf, and your Sea People leave me alone to focus on the industrial fishing that’s fucking it up for all of us.”
“Yeah, yeah. Alright.” John was holding the pelt in front of him now that the rest of the pier was empty. “See you around down there, Dave. Thanks again.” With those parting words, he swung the pelt over his shoulders and dove off the pier in one smooth motion, swimming out and away.