Out For A Stroll (Alaya/open)

[Titus Cortez]

He smiled smugly up at her, waving only slightly. When she came down with the supplies, he followed her. "I'm not a land dweller anymore." he said proudly, beaming at her. He knew that she was mad at him now, but she would be impressed later.

That was when he realized it. Just what was he planning to do aboard this ship? Forced to hide, there wasn't going to be much to do. But he shrugged. He would find a way to be helpful. That was when he caught sight of the meat. It hung from the ceiling of the hull, which was the floor of the deck above. Large chunks and whole, hideless, headless carcasses. One large piece had been laid out to be cut for dinner, resting on top of a crate. You call this a cut? He scoffed inwardly, looking at some of the cooks already cut slices. But the cook was nowhere in sight. Titus picked up the butcher knife. I'll teach them how to cut it. And surely, he did. Alaya would be impressed with him now.

[Alaya Seawitch]

Alaya shook her head slightly. She walked back up to the deck to 'man the sails' so to speak. She climbed the rope and sat on one of the beams holding the sails. She made sure the ropes were secure before just sitting there enjoying the seen. Her mind, however, was on the fact that Titus was now on the ship. She would never get rid of him and she knew it. Great just what I need, more trouble. She hoped the captain or someone else would deal with him soon so she wouldn't have anything to do with it.

[Titus Cortez]

He cut away at the red flesh until all of the cuts were made that could be made. Once that was done, he didn't know what to do. So he seasoned them. And then he was bored. The ship rocked him to and fro gently, and he hunkered down again in the cargo and closed his eyes. He wished that he could be up on deck with Alaya. It was awful lonely down here in the hull, and the dozing dog wasn't much company. He knew he would have to find a way up on deck, somehow. And he would think of a way. After all, he had all the time in the world, now. Maybe, when all were in bed, he would sneak away to see her.

[Alaya Seawitch]

The night wore on and slowly the crew headed off to bed. A few lingered on the deck not sure of if they should go or keep an eye out. Alaya waved to them to say she would stay on deck in case there was anything wrong. With a weary nod the strays headed under deck for a long awaited rest. Alaya stayed where she was and looked out at sea grateful for the quiet empty deck. No one had said anything about Titus or a stowaway so maybe he wasn't found yet. She could care less really, or that is what she told herself.

[Titus Cortez]

Titus waited until all of the lanterns had been turned out, and the men were either snoring soundly in their hammocks or on their way to that drunken-sleepy state to sleep off the meal and rum. And then, slowly, he appeared from the hull, much like a fox emerging from his den. He found Alaya quickly, she being the only one left on the deck, and he walked silently up behind her.

He stopped when he stood behind her. No 'hello'. No 'good evening'. Instead, Titus chose something else to say to make his presence known. "I'm sorry." he said, and leaned against the mast, his arm slung above him in the rigging.

[Alaya Seawitch]

Alaya did not turn to see who had spoken, she knew who would be coming to the deck at such a late hour. "No your not. Why would you be?" She said her voice a whisper to make sure no one could hear even though she knew no one would. Why was he here anyway? She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned her head against the mast. It had been a long day but sleep just wouldn't come. This same thing happened every time the ship took off. It was like the sea wouldn't let her sleep.

[Titus Cortez]

"I'm sorry that I didn't make you happy." he said, looking at the back of her head, since she faced away from him. With them both against the mast, they were very close. He was sure that the moon was shining in her eyes, but it wasn't worth it if he couldn't see it.

Titus bit the inside of his cheek, thinking. "But I'll make it up to you." he said, and slung an arm around her waist, and slowly, he began to climb up the rigging of the mast that lead to the crow's nest.

[Alaya Seawitch]

Alaya couldn't stop Titus from wrapping his arm around her waist. Strangely she blushed for a second but it quickly faded. She climbed to the crow's nest with Titus wondering what he meant by making it up to her. She reached the crows nest and climbed in standing by the edge looking out at the sea. She turned to face Titus. "What do you mean by making it up to me. Really what could you possibly do?" She said with a slight edge to her voice.

[Titus Cortez]

Titus climbed into the crow's nest, and chuckled when she spoke. "You get cranky when you're tired, don't you?" he whispered. He walked behind her and put his hands on the rail on either side of her. "Close your eyes." he said softly, waiting for her to say that she had done so. He looked out over the sea, as she did, not really having to look up to see the sky. It was all reflected there, in the dance of the waves that swayed in the ocean. The salty spray of the water filled his nose, and he could taste it slightly on his lips as it lapped against the sides of the ship, far down below the deck.

[Alaya Seawitch]

Alaya sighed but obeyed. She really had no idea what he was up to. She enjoyed the sounds of the waves and the smell of the sea. She said nothing for a while, for some reason not truly wanting the moment to end. She didn't know why that was but it didn't entirely bother her either. "What now" she mumbled. Strangest thing was that she hoped fiercely that no one came out and saw them.

[Titus Cortez]

He gently untied the bandanna, his fingers softly caressing her hair as he let it fall into his waiting hand, tucking it into his pocket. Her dark hair could flow now with the wind, as it should, not trapped under her cloth.

In each of his palms he took one of her hands and then spread his arms out to either side of him, so that her arms did the same. He rested his chin very close to her ear. "You're flying." he whispered, not letting go of her as the sea rocked them to and fro. Eventually, he let go of her hands and placed his own on her waist carefully, looking out over the ocean. In the water, he could see their reflection, with the moon behind them. Titus smiled as they rocked with the waves, so happy that he was alive, and not the man in the water. He had the privilege to be with Alaya long after the reflection would go. But the man in the water could only hold his girl for as long as Titus held Alaya.

[Alaya Seawitch]

Alaya was slightly nervous when Titus took off her bandanna. What if someone saw? So many things could happen, and she didn't want to take any chances. That was until Titus placed his hands around her waist again. She let her arms come down so that they lightly touched Titus hands. She opened her eyes enjoying the sea breeze through her hair. She was enjoying herself, even if there was the possibility of being discovered.

[Titus Cortez]

He smiled as he felt her hands on his. Carefully, he pulled her back. He lay on the floor of the crow's nest, his back slightly propped against the mast. She beside him, he coaxed her head onto his chest. He didn't realize he had done it until after the act, and he shocked himself. But at least no one would see him, the stowaway, or her, the woman, from where they lay in the crow's nest. His arms wrapped around her body, shielding her from the cold and keeping her warm. "Get some sleep." he whispered, and he closed his eyes. But he wasn't sleeping just yet.

[Alaya Seawitch]

The move was sudden and Alaya was shocked to find herself next to Titus on the floor of the crows nest. She blushed again slightly as her head leaned against his chest. She closed her eyes no longer worried about someone seeing her. It was peaceful and nice out. She enjoyed the warmth coming from being near Titus. She only wished sleep would come sooner.

[Titus Cortez]

He felt as if the sea was rocking him, lulling him to sleep. The crow's nest was his cradle. But he wouldn't sleep until she did. Another mannerly thing. "Go to sleep, Miss Alaya." he whispered to her softly, stroking the side of her face softly with the backs of his fingers. Subconsciously he began to hum to her, a peaceful tune in time with the waves. He himself was oh so tempted to stop humming and drift into slumber. But not yet.