it’s not long after mumbo joins the crew. hell, it’s probably only been forty eight hours since — and it’s nighttime. most of the crew have settled in for the night after drinking and partying in celebration of a successful treasure hunt.
the only two left awake are grian and mumbo. they sit on barrels, gazing out into the vast sea before them. the moonlight leaves little ripples in the water, it’s reflection big and bright.
grian hums, turning to his newest crew member, “so, how’d it feel to run around witha couple of ruffians?” he cracks a cheesy smile at the man.
“it was quite fun, actually. i don’t think i’ve had that much fun in a long time….” mumbo’s reply is fond, lips quirking up into a smile.
grian stares at it for a moment; at him. he swears his breath stutters before he forced himself to look away. “yeah well, you weren’t too bad out there.” he hums, and his smile turns teasing, “for a stick in the mud marine.”
mumbo just laughs, taking a swig of his beer and making a face, “gosh, how do you all drink this stuff?” he asks, and a laugh tumbles right out of grian’s mouth.
“you better get used to it!” he chuckles, taking a sip of his own drink. silence settles over them for a moment, with the captain and ex marine staring out into the water. “you’re just like me now.”
mumbo blinks, looking over at him, “pardon?”
stretching himself out, grian leans back casually on his barrel. his back presses against the wall, knee bent as his foot rests on top. “you’re a dirty criminal who doesn’t care for anyone else beside himself. just like me.” grian answers, shrugging. “remember? you said that when we first met. well, now we’re both criminals!”
and he says it with a grin, as if he’s happy about it. who knows, maybe he is.
still, it makes mumbo frown in thought. “…i did say that, didn’t i?” he murmurs. sighing softly, he sets his wooden mug down and stands, “well that won’t do. i was such a spoon.”
grian gives him a confused stare as mumbo approaches him, still frowning. he doesn’t stop until he’s standing right in front of grian, making the captain oddly shy. “mumbo?” he asks.
“you’re not a dirty criminal.” mumbo says, staring at him with such conviction it sends shivers down grian’s spine. “though you could use a bath.”
“hey!” grian playfully whacks him, making the man laugh.
mumbo stumbles over his next words, but manages to carry on, “you care so much for your crew, for iskall, for me, for the people around you. you have a beautiful imagination and a heart of gold. you’re mischievous and a bit of a pesky bird.” mumbo reaches for him, grabbing his chin gently with his fingers. his thumb brushes across grian’s lower lip.
“but i think you’re wrong, i’m not like you. because you’re my captain, and i’m just a crew mate. how can we be the same?” mumbo asks, staring down at grian’s lips for a while, as if deciding something.
it makes grian freeze, heart beating with anticipation.
mumbo seems to make his choice, pulling his hand away with a yawn. “goodness me, it’s quite late. i should be going to sleep.” and then he’s pulling back entirely. “goodnight, captain.” mumbo smiles before disappearing into the barracks.
left alone, grian stares owlishly at where mumbo once stood. with a groan, he shoves his face into his hands.
