Tai Chi
Deke was always one of the first people on the base to wake up. Usually, he woke up, got breakfast, then watched tv and movies until someone told him to do something else. He walked to the common area humming quietly but stopped in the doorway. He rose an eyebrow when he saw May in the middle of the room doing tai chi. “Why are you in here?” He asked. “You never do your weird tea thing in here.” He walked in and noticed that Coulson was asleep on the couch. “And why is he here?”
“Tai Chi,” Melinda said not stopping or opening her eyes. “And I’m in here so he could sleep on the couch.”
“You aren’t really helping me understand this, May.” Deke walked over and plopped down in his usual chair.
“Tai Chi helps me relax.” She let out a slow breath.
“I’m so confused.” He stared at her as she moved slowly. “What does that have to do with doing in the middle of my movie watching time in the middle of my movie watching area?”
“Sorry, my labor inconveniences you.” She glanced at him. “I’m in here because Phil didn’t want me to be alone and he needed to sleep. I knew he’d fall asleep on the couch.” She explained.
“Labor? That’s what it’s called when the baby’s coming right?” Deke asked and sat forward. “Are you having the baby?”
“Yes.” She said simply and sucked in a sharp breath. One of her hands dropped to her stomach as she continued.
“What was that?” He asked curiously.
“Contraction.” She murmured and let out a deep breath.
“Do you need anything?” He looked at her ready to do anything to help.
“Silence.” She closed her eyes.
“Okay, I can do that.” He nodded. “Complete silence. I won’t say a word. I’ll be quiet as a mouse, not a word from me.” He rambled on. “Not a sound at all. Nothing. I’ve always been good at staying quiet. Unless I’m nervous or excited.”
“Deke.” She grumbled. “Rambling.”
“Oh, sorry.” He said and shut up.
Melinda sighed and continued. The silence didn’t last long though, a few minutes later Phil started to snore from where he laid on the couch. She huffed and opened her eyes standing up from her position. “I give up.” She mumbled. She turned and pushed Phil’s feet off the end of the couch before sitting down.
Phil startled awake and sat up. “Melinda, what’s wrong?” His eyes widened and he looked at her.
Deke laughed from where he sat. “You were snoring.”
“I just got Deke to shut up and you started to snore.” She looked at her husband. “Otherwise, I’m fine.”
“Sorry.” Phil sighed and moved to take her hand gently.
“Can I watch my show now? I’m almost done with The Office.” Deke looked at them.