A Bigger Tank

So just for the hell of it, I decided to write a little flash fiction using a prompt from and RRW forum.
Write a short story using only dialog.
I don’t know if I’ll take this any further, but it’s kinda cute so I thought I’d share it here.

 

“I am rather stunning, aren’t I?”

“Seriously, Bass, do you have to keep waving that thing around?”

“Why, are you jealous because it’s so big?”

“No, I’m not jealous. You’re getting the carpet wet.”

“Well, I wouldn’t be if you would get me a bigger fishtank. This isn’t even a hundred gallons, Charlie.”

“Cry me a river. We live in New York and it isn’t like a decent rent controlled place comes fully equipped with an aquarium big enough for you.”

“Maybe you should get your old job back.”

“Not this again.”

“Yes, this again, Charlie. You really need to suck it up and apologize to Joan. I miss being able to swim with the dolphins. Squigy and Laverne were going to have a baby and I probably missed it.”

“I’m sorry, Bass. But being a janitor at the NY Aquarium might have been good for you, but Joan’s boss will never take me back. Besides, I already have another interview.”

“She’s your sister. Have you even tried talking to her?”

“And tell her what? That the reason I forgot to set the alarm and the place got ransacked was because I was too busy watching my merman boyfriend swimming in the seal exhibit?”

“None of the animals were hurt in the break in.”

“But the thieves got away with ten thousand dollars from the fund raiser.”

“Well, if you let me swim in one of the tanks at the next fund raiser, we’d more than make up for that loss.”

“No! That’s a hell no! We can’t risk anyone ever finding out about you. Do you want to be poked and prodded?”

“If you’re the one poking and prodding, then I’m in.”

“Get your mind out of the gutter and seriously, would you quit fidgeting? You’re totally soaking the carpet.”

“Sorry, babe. But it’s hard to stay still when you talk about prodding me. You know I love a good prodding.”

“I’m not having this conversation anymore. I have to protect you from yourself. You can’t be an exhibitionist in New York. It was one thing when we were in the Caribbean, but here…no. There are too many people with cell phones and social media. I won’t allow you to become some side show freak.”

“You really do love me, don’t you?”

“Of course I do, ya big tuna. Now why don’t you get out of the tank and help me make breakfast. I don’t wanna be late for this interview. And if you promise not to mention Joan or the Aquarium, I’ll drive us out to the ocean tonight so you can go for a real swim.”

“Aww, you spoil me, Charlie.”

“Seriously, Bass, you’re dripping all over the carpet.”

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