When she was much younger Ellie had developed something of a penchant for developing crushes on people almost more quickly than she could process what was happening; as an adult she’d been far more capable of recognizing what was passing attraction and what had the ability to become more if she was willing to nurse and cultivate such feelings. It said something she was rather nervous to embrace that all it took was a well-placed smile from Hunter to give her genuine butterflies— she could already count several instances at work where they were simply having a conversation and she’d been distracted by how genuinely beautiful it felt to feel like she could have an effortless connection with someone again if she allowed herself to try and be happy. She blinked owlishly in the face of Hunter’s compliment– a smile bloomed on her face that was warm and embarrassed in equal measure and she ducked her head the slightest bit as she smiled, cognizant of the fact that the tips of her ears were beginning to sting with the force of her blush. “She’s a model, you know? I— well, I don’t think anyone’s told me they find me that attractive in… quite a long while,” Ellie admitted, raising her gaze to meet Hunter’s. “You’re quite something, Hunter.”
She wasn’t certain what she meant, really— there were countless things she felt she could mean with that simple statement– that she was grateful Hunter was willing to look past any barrier she might try to throw up against the world, not that he’d had much trouble getting around them thus far; or perhaps that she was deeply intrigued and interested in him as a person for more reasons than she could articulate when they’d known each other for only a few weeks, at best. Whatever it was there was a deep warmth in her voice as she spoke– a sincerity that seemed to come all too easily where Hunter was concerned.
Everything else Hunter said seemed to rush to process in the back of her mind and she giggled quietly as she took his arm and smiled up at him, “We’ll make a date for it, hm? We can watch Black Sails together if you’d like. Or do just about anything else— I like being around you even when we’re working on charts so it’s safe to say we could do anything and I’d be pleased as punch.” Ellie paused for a moment to listen to Hunter’s next question and she nodded firmly with a playful expression of determination on her face, “I would be absolutely honored to take advantage of this party with you. What should we start with?”
For a while now, Hunter truly believed that he could never feel an attraction as strongly as he had - has for Isak. It was something that took him a while to be okay with; after all, he is a crowned prince. It is rare for future rulers to marry for love. Truthfully, he knew that he should feel lucky to hold onto a love so strong for so long. Still, could you blame him for wanting to keep that love? Taking the job at the Infirmary was more because he needed to find himself again after his breakup with the Swedish man than it was trying to make a statement to his parents. Seeing Isak again, however, brought back his old feelings for him. The good ones and the bad ones.
All he wanted is to be with him again, how they use to be, even though he knew it was an empty wish. Then came Ellie. Hunter never denied how attractive he thinks she is, though that wasn’t why he enjoyed spending time with her. It is, however, the reason why he can hardly focus when they have a shift together.
“Is she?” No, he didn’t realize that Clara Paget is a model. He still wouldn’t take back his comment. Instead, he simply shrugged as he hummed, “Well, then you should most definitely take her place. I find you a lot more attractive.” A lot more than what she probably gives herself credit for as well. Looking between her eyes, he knew he needed to be careful. The urge to kiss her was growing stronger and stronger. Real feelings for the redheaded woman was overtaking his head. Sure, they have a mutually flirtatious relationship, but he also didn’t know how much of how he is starting to feel for her is mutual. Once they started their walk, he cleared his throat at the poor excuse to clear his head. Though it didn’t work, it was hard enough to get Ellie out of his head when she wasn’t around.
Chuckling at the idea of having a Black Sails date with her, he was surprised he didn’t think of it. “Oh, you should have never said that. Now you will never be able to get rid of me.” He teased. “But if you are serious about making a Black Sails binge into a date, then I’ll be happy to oblige because I thoroughly enjoy your company as well.”
Grinning like a damn fool at her, he glanced around their surrounding. “How about getting that drink, but also piggy out on the food they have?” He asked as he glanced back at her.
