Fall
It had been weeks since anyone had seen land. Few were becoming restless- unused to being on the ocean for extensive lengths. One such figure sat upon a crate, the wooden box blocking entrance to the Captain’s Quarters. His dull green eyes were weary, sick of the vast cerulean depths stretching past the horizons. The subtle rocking was no longer comforting- a simple lull to pull a tired mind towards the brink of sleep. With the land so went the sun, dark masses gradually swarming the ever-sailing ship. And now they break loose, crystalline drops cascading onto slick floorboards. The green eyes close against the assault, a long sigh escaping through parted pink lips. From behind, the rain splattered door is pulled open.
“Still sittin’ ‘ere?” A familiar voice asks, arms snaking their way around a slumped torso. Alaric does not answer, only leans back, into the arms he has made his home. Another breathy exhale is released, eyes opening to gaze up at beautiful blue ones that stare back. From the corners of his peripheral, Alaric notices an orange blur as it streaks down the slippery steps. Though the movement is quick, Lucifer notices it too, eyebrows raising in question. Before either can react the causation stands before them: Birch. Alaric is unsure of his words, opening his mouth only to have it close abruptly. It is Lucifer who asks the question reeling through both of their minds.
“What’re ya wearin’?”
“It’s the first day of fall,” Birch whispers, brown eyes shining in the rain that crashes upon his face.
“T-that doesn’t answer ma question.” The arms around Alaric tighten, as if Lucifer is trying to protect him from what Birch has become. Neither gets a response, only a widening grin that brings waves of concern. Only Birch’s face is visible, the rest surrounded by burnt-orange fabric. His arms are outstretched, nothing but hands showing, and his legs are covered by tight black pants. Before them stands Birch, an autumn crisp maple leaf.
“Where in the world did you get that?” Alaric asks, almost scared for an answer. Birch simply laughs, looking down at the costume covering him.
“Why don’ we jus’ go inside,” Lucifer murmurs to Alaric, using one hand to open the door behind him, while the other pulls Alaric back with him. Through the darkness of the room, through the door that separates them, they can still hear Birch’s laugh, echoing along the empty sea.
