The Final Base

Avalanche Advice

"Hey Tins," Mush greeted. "C'mon in," he stepped aside, opening the door wider as he did so. It was always nice to see his niece. Well, any of the kids really, but Tinsely is one of the sweeter, calmer side of the tracks. Which is odd considering who her father is. But that's beside the point. "RIley isn't home yet. She had to grab somethin' from the store but should be back soon. Ethan discovered some new video game and has been locked up in his room ever since. Your Aunt is on the verge of cuttin' the cable." he shook his head as the door closed. "Want somethin' to drink or snack on while you wait?"

"Just a water if you don't mind."

With a nod Mush headed towards the kitchen and got started on that beverage. Tinsley wasn't far behind, but stopped when Dumpling, a cream colored dachshund with the softest coat of fur came running up to her. Naturally she gave the cute dog attention before Dumpling spotted a sunny patch on the floor and proceeded to run and flop down, basking in the warmth. "Hey, Uncle Mush, can I ask you for some advice," Tinsely asked shyly as she sat down on the stool. "It's for a friend," she quickly added when the glass was slid to her. "She's having some boy troubles.

"Hmmm," Mush hummed. "And would this boy your friend is having trouble with name sound like low and again? Low again." he let out a soft laugh. "C'mon kid, it's no secret you like him. Racer would rather live in delusion, but I think he's in shock now." Tinsley choked on her water. It was hard not to laugh at the poor girl's reaction. "So, what's this advice I'm supposed to give."

"How did you know you were in love with Auntie Feisty?"

"There's the million dollar question." he leaned his elbows on the cool counter top. "It happened slowly. At first I saw someone who needed a friend and as time went by I started noticin' the little things about her until one day it hit me. I'll never forget that moment. It had been rainin' all day and when she came home she was wet. While everyone else was worried bout how she was passed curfew and was gonna catch a cold, all I could see was her hair was down. I always wondered what that would look like but I never thought I'd see the day. By that point I was already fightin' what I felt for her, but that night changed everythin'." he smiled fondly at the old memory. Of the day his best friend became more than that. Now look where they are, married with two kids, a dog, and a band of nieces and nephews.

"That's really sweet," Tinsely said after a few quiet moments. "My parents met in a bar."

"Your father got Feisty drunk," Mush reminded. "Luckily he and Al were able to bring her back in one piece, but not before she attempted to strip, then stole my wallet and ran off for street dumplings. She tried to pet a trash panda."

"I thought we were never to speak of that again," Feister grumbled as she entered the kitchen. "Oh hey Tins, he isn't talkin' your ear off, right?"

"No, not at all, just a friendly chat."

"Yeah see," Mush said as he wrapped his arm around his wife's waist. "Just givin' Tins advice is all."

"Tinsely," Feister began in a serious voice, looking the blonde girl in the eyes. "This is the last idiot you want advice from. Your dad is a close second. It was amazing he was able to keep a potted plant alive throughout college and a little afterwards."

"Hey!" Mush protested.

"What advice were you givin' the poor girl."

"The ways of love."

"Is this about the dumb twin?"

"Feisty! That's our nephew ."

Feister's face turned serious as she said, "The kid gets smashed into plexi glass and has pucks flying at his head all the time. Plus if you ask me he got Albert's brain cells. Luckily twin one and Nixie got Brooklyn's genetics."