Things.

[ Multi-verse RP blog ] Drama. Love. Life. TW gore. death. zombies. smut. & other stuff.

[wastelandfairy]

The surprise she managed to pull from him was so worth it. It was pleasingly satisfying and she smiled at him, bright and happy, a warm little feeling settling in her chest. Her eyes slid over to Jada again and she laughed, enjoying the silly, playful banter but a small part of her brain still took note of the information, filing it away, even if it looked very specific in her head... Behave, she had to remind herself. None of that.

"That is good to know. Handsome and with morals, what more could a lady ask for?" Her eyes slid to Cresswell briefly, without her permission, before she caught herself and looked away, setting her mug of rum down on the table again so she could focus on eating.

A small smile pulled at the corner of her mouth, her eyes still on her plate as she spoke, "I think she may have a point. You said so yourself, life is meant to be enjoyed, yes? You could be happy if you let yourself."

She chewed a small bite of food, "But then, what would I know? I'm still incredibly new to all of this."

[grumpymusings]

He chuckled softly, eyes resting on Bonnie's face. She was right, but that part was moot. "Maybe I just haven't found anyone yet that I'm willing to come out of hibernation for," he teased, even if the words were both true and earnest. "We'll see what happens."

Jada laughed to herself, finishing her mug of rum. "Well," she began rather playfully, "you're about to have a woman in the house again. Perhaps that'll speed things along."

With warm cheeks, Cress began coughing. "Pardon, Jada?"

She pointed between the pair, eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know bloody well what I mean, Cresswell. You're lonely, and perhaps the two of you will find that you enjoy each other's company more than you expected to. It really is that simple."

[wastelandfairy]

Bonnie blinked, her face flushing just slightly even as she allowed a little laugh to escape, she dipped her eyes briefly to her empty plate, reaching for her mug to toy with the handle.

"We certainly enjoy each other's company, that's why this arrangement was reached. Dare I even say, he's my best friend. But I don't think..."

She laughed softly again, shaking her head. "I mean, perhaps that isn't on the cards for us. For now I'm happy to even have registered on his radar, I don't believe I'm being dramatic when I say he's helped to change my life."

[wastelandfairy]

Everything about this was perfect. It was rough, ready, not at all anything that she'd expected to experience in her life but it was perfect. The food was flavoursome and perfect, the rum warm on her tongue and in her belly, her skin pleasantly warm from his touch and the conversation. This is where she was meant to be, she was sure. And she couldn't regret or begrudge anything in her life that got her here, even the unpleasant bits.

She laughed at Cresswell's observation and shook her head, toying with the mug of rum, twisting it gently between her fingers, "I don't mind that at all. I think I'm rather happy to start living a gluttony phase." She smiled, her eyes sliding from Jada to Cresswell over the lip of her mug. "Besides, I'm sure I can find things to help me keep the weight steady."

It was a slightly devilish, playful remark, but she found the more time she spent here, the more comfortable with it all she was.

[grumpymusings]

Just that playful remark was enough. He chuckled, although he turned to look at her afterward with a pair of wide, surprised eyes. An image crossed his mind that he would never admit to later on, even if pressed, and he continued eating his rice and vegetables.

Jada caught on, amused and beside herself. "I'm sure you could," she said playfully, lifting her cup of rum to her lips. "I know of a few handsome men that are on this island. Good morals too, which is hard to come by these days. And they're... excellent for exercise, if I may so myself. You'll keep fit."

Beside himself, Cress cast a look in Jada's direction. "Really now?"

Jada began laughing at his perturbed expression. "What? Am I not allowed a bit of fun while you're at sea?"

He shook his head. "No, no, by all means... We only have one life. It's meant to be enjoyed." It was funny, even if he never wanted to think about Jada in that way. She was a close friend. A sister, almost. He shook his head to himself, chuckling.

"If you weren't such a stubborn, miserable man, you could be doing the same," Jada added, teasing and gently prodding him. "There are women aplenty on this island. Just because she's gone doesn't mean you should... close yourself off completely, Cress."

[wastelandfairy]

The surprise she managed to pull from him was so worth it. It was pleasingly satisfying and she smiled at him, bright and happy, a warm little feeling settling in her chest. Her eyes slid over to Jada again and she laughed, enjoying the silly, playful banter but a small part of her brain still took note of the information, filing it away, even if it looked very specific in her head... Behave, she had to remind herself. None of that.

"That is good to know. Handsome and with morals, what more could a lady ask for?" Her eyes slid to Cresswell briefly, without her permission, before she caught herself and looked away, setting her mug of rum down on the table again so she could focus on eating.

A small smile pulled at the corner of her mouth, her eyes still on her plate as she spoke, "I think she may have a point. You said so yourself, life is meant to be enjoyed, yes? You could be happy if you let yourself."

She chewed a small bite of food, "But then, what would I know? I'm still incredibly new to all of this."

[wastelandfairy]

Bonnie was absolutely blown away by the feast that awaited them in the kitchen, she paused in her steps to take it all in. The full table, the smells and colours of the food, the bright, cheerful smile on Jada's face. It was all so warm, so welcoming and she felt it in her chest, a soft glowing heat, the baby embers of something that promised to grow into something fierce.

"Wow," she said at last, her gaze sliding to Jada and Cresswell and the lady made him take a seat, playfully rebuking his statement. "Looking at this I don't doubt how well you can cook! It all looks and smells amazing. I haven't even tried it yet and I can already guarantee that it's better than anything I've eaten while I've been here."

Not that that was difficult, she'd been living mostly on scraps from the tavern and scavenged fruit, but the point was still a solid one.

"I didn't expect this, thank you. I'm flattered by such a warm, honest welcome."

[grumpymusings]

"No need to be flattered," said Jada, a warm smile on her face as she reached out to brush a hand over Bonnie's cheek. "Come, come, let's sit and eat. The boy will be in soon as well, I'm sure. He wanted to take care of a few things outside beforehand."

Cresswell was pouring himself a mugful of rum, then two more for the ladies. He handed one over to Bonnie, his fingers brushing hers. "Here you go, love."

Together, they sat and began eating, and the meal was delicious and cozy. It wasn't until he was finished eating a few clams that he turned towards Bonnie and raised a brow. "You're likely to gain a bit of weight living here, lass. You sure you're okay with that?"

He found he rather loved teasing her. Thank God he missed the look Jada was giving them just then. She thought he was fucking smitten, and to be completely honest, he might have been.

[wastelandfairy]

Everything about this was perfect. It was rough, ready, not at all anything that she'd expected to experience in her life but it was perfect. The food was flavoursome and perfect, the rum warm on her tongue and in her belly, her skin pleasantly warm from his touch and the conversation. This is where she was meant to be, she was sure. And she couldn't regret or begrudge anything in her life that got her here, even the unpleasant bits.

She laughed at Cresswell's observation and shook her head, toying with the mug of rum, twisting it gently between her fingers, "I don't mind that at all. I think I'm rather happy to start living a gluttony phase." She smiled, her eyes sliding from Jada to Cresswell over the lip of her mug. "Besides, I'm sure I can find things to help me keep the weight steady."

It was a slightly devilish, playful remark, but she found the more time she spent here, the more comfortable with it all she was.

[wastelandfairy]

"He was," she agreed as she cast her gaze around the room one last time before they left, soaking up the warm comfort of it all. "A right bastard, I mean."

There was a small smile playing at the edge of her mouth, secret and amused. But he'd touched her with his words, reminding her that she was a self made woman, she was independent and she was capable. Even if the circumstances of her arrival here weren't ideal, she was here now. And it was by herself that she'd managed that, even if now she needed a little help. But she'd take the help, especially if it came from him.

"Thank you." She told him softly, as she followed him down the stairs and towards the kitchen, knowing that he'd know what she was referring to. That she was grateful for him reminding her, believing in her.

[grumpymusings]

He was enough of a kindhearted man to know that some individuals, friends or those who were more, occasionally needed the reminders of who they were. That was just life, and he was more than happy to provide that for Bonnie.

As they wandered down the stairs, he kept that soft thank you somewhere close to his heart. Her tone of voice spoke volumes, and it said more than he could ever attempt with words.

Thankfully, he was pulled from his thoughts as they wandered into the kitchen. Jada was thrilled, readying a meal for everyone. There were plates of shellfish and grilled fish, boiled yams and cassava, cooked rice, and everything was (as per usual) well-seasoned. The entire room smelled phenomenal. On the counter sat a few bunches of bananas and ripe pineapples for later as well.

"You didn't have to do all this," he said, utterly amazed. Jada only laughed in response, tutting him as she pressed a hand to his chest so that he would take a seat. "Of course, I did," she laughed. "I wanted to treat our guest to a proper island welcome. If this is going to be her new home, I'll show her just how well I can cook."

[wastelandfairy]

Bonnie was absolutely blown away by the feast that awaited them in the kitchen, she paused in her steps to take it all in. The full table, the smells and colours of the food, the bright, cheerful smile on Jada's face. It was all so warm, so welcoming and she felt it in her chest, a soft glowing heat, the baby embers of something that promised to grow into something fierce.

"Wow," she said at last, her gaze sliding to Jada and Cresswell and the lady made him take a seat, playfully rebuking his statement. "Looking at this I don't doubt how well you can cook! It all looks and smells amazing. I haven't even tried it yet and I can already guarantee that it's better than anything I've eaten while I've been here."

Not that that was difficult, she'd been living mostly on scraps from the tavern and scavenged fruit, but the point was still a solid one.

"I didn't expect this, thank you. I'm flattered by such a warm, honest welcome."

[wastelandfairy]

The surprise on her face must have been clear for him to see, it was quickly overshadowed by one of delight though at his confirmation that she could indeed see his ship.

"I didn't think of it that way, I suppose you did have to transport them here somehow." She conceded thoughtfully before she smiled at him. "I know you shan't believe it, but I'd dare say you're a hero to many people here. Myself included, obviously. A rescued damsel."

She felt her face flush a little at her words though she laughed a little at herself, dipping her face for a moment as she felt her cheeks heat. But her gaze found his once more as he continued, her brows rising slightly. She found, much to her surprise, that she wasn't opposed to the idea. But then she scolded herself internally, this wasn't what this was.

"This is, I confess, the most honest, true friendship that I've ever had the grace and luck to be a part of. Whatever people may believe, I can confirm without doubt that you are... Important to me."

[grumpymusings]

His own face grew warm at the admission, but he'd never admit that aloud, not in a million years, and he scratched his bearded chin as she continued speaking. Her words were... kind. They made his breath catch, his heart ache a bit, and he tilted his head as he watched her for another long moment, just gathering his thoughts.

"You were wasted on a man who was an absolute bastard," he said matter-of-factly. "He was just a brute. You should have been married to a man with a kind heart and a nice disposition, one who had a lot of love and attention to give you. Instead, you wound up here, but I'm not entirely sorry for any of it. That's how we met, and freedom looks good on you. You're a special woman, Bonnie, and let's be sure that you know you're certainly no rescued damsel. You saved yourself, so never forget that. I'm only offering you a home and family."

He tapped her chin sweetly, offering her a warm smile, before turning towards the hallway and the staircase. "Let's go downstairs, then. I'm sure Jada is waiting for us in the kitchen."

Cresswell was certainly no hero. He wasn't a perfect man. But to hear Bonnie say that she thought he was that sort of person left quite an impression on him. She was quickly worming her way into his heart, and she was just as important to him now.

[wastelandfairy]

"He was," she agreed as she cast her gaze around the room one last time before they left, soaking up the warm comfort of it all. "A right bastard, I mean."

There was a small smile playing at the edge of her mouth, secret and amused. But he'd touched her with his words, reminding her that she was a self made woman, she was independent and she was capable. Even if the circumstances of her arrival here weren't ideal, she was here now. And it was by herself that she'd managed that, even if now she needed a little help. But she'd take the help, especially if it came from him.

"Thank you." She told him softly, as she followed him down the stairs and towards the kitchen, knowing that he'd know what she was referring to. That she was grateful for him reminding her, believing in her.

[wastelandfairy]

She watched him for a moment, her eyes searching for something even she wasn't sure she was looking for. But she must have found it somewhere in his gaze because she smiled, bright and full of something that was terribly close to fondness and hope.

"Family," she exhaled a little breath. "Now that sounds incredibly good."

The idea of being a part of a family that chose her, that she chose in return was something incredible. The family she'd had back home — no, back in England, she couldn't think of that place as home any longer, had never cared for her like this. Never cared about her the child, the woman, the person. It had always been a calculated game of what they could put in to get the most out. A bargaining chip, a marriage contract.

Here though, she felt free. Especially with the people, with him, who had decided, for some reason that she was interesting enough to invest in.

"I'm sure I will be comfortable here, thank you." There wasn't a doubt in her mind. "I'd ask for a tour of your ship but I'd hate to bring bad luck upon you, woman and ships, I know..."

She laughed a little.

[grumpymusings]

He laughed at that, eyebrows rising in surprise. "Oh, to hell with all that," he coughed. "My men aren't as stupid as some of the other privateers and pirates you'll find visiting the island. Other superstitions, of course, maybe, but not women. How do you think I brought Jada here, after all? More than gold, we've done our fair share of rescuing slaves from British ships. Most of them were women, and we brought them here to Nassau for a better life. For an actual life."

Unable to help himself, he squeezed her shoulder gently. "I'll show you my ship one day soon. Consider it done. My men have been curious about you since they first saw me with you, honestly. You're likely to get a lot of questions, so prepare yourself."

He scoffed, amused. "They haven't seen me around a woman, aside from Jada, since Maggie left Nassau. It's been a few years. And if we're being entirely honest, I'm sure they're already taking bets on whether we're a romantic item or not, so..." He trailed off, huffing softly.

[wastelandfairy]

The surprise on her face must have been clear for him to see, it was quickly overshadowed by one of delight though at his confirmation that she could indeed see his ship.

"I didn't think of it that way, I suppose you did have to transport them here somehow." She conceded thoughtfully before she smiled at him. "I know you shan't believe it, but I'd dare say you're a hero to many people here. Myself included, obviously. A rescued damsel."

She felt her face flush a little at her words though she laughed a little at herself, dipping her face for a moment as she felt her cheeks heat. But her gaze found his once more as he continued, her brows rising slightly. She found, much to her surprise, that she wasn't opposed to the idea. But then she scolded herself internally, this wasn't what this was.

"This is, I confess, the most honest, true friendship that I've ever had the grace and luck to be a part of. Whatever people may believe, I can confirm without doubt that you are... Important to me."

[wastelandfairy]

The touches he bestowed her with were perfect, he was so sweet, so delicate with her it was the most perfect thing that she remembered in recent memory.

She turned in the room in a full circle, examining the room. It was small and neat, pretty and clean. It was perfect for her. More Iike what she was used to, but with that freedom that she needed, that she'd finally found.

She turned the full circle and found him with her eyes, smiling brightly at him, "It's perfect!" There was absolutely no doubt in her voice, just pure joy. "Thank you. I mean that with every fibre of my being."

[grumpymusings]

There was a genuine smile on his face when she met his eyes. It was sweet. Beyond sweet, really. Helping someone that he'd come to think of as a friend did his heart a world of good, and the change in her demeanor since he came by to get her this morning was absolutely undeniable.

The very idea that men and women couldn't just be friends, couldn't care for one another on a level that wasn't simply or purely romantic was fucking rubbish and he knew it, and to be able to include her now in his little "found family" now felt like a wildly wonderful thing. Chances like this didn't come by very often, and he was going to enjoy this. It was the fruit of his labor, the money that he had and the land that he had acquired in the past. Being a captain at sea was worth all the strife.

"You're welcome, love. I mean that." He slowly approached her, hands resting on his hips. "You'll be comfortable here. And while I'm away, you'll have friends. Family, honestly."

[wastelandfairy]

She watched him for a moment, her eyes searching for something even she wasn't sure she was looking for. But she must have found it somewhere in his gaze because she smiled, bright and full of something that was terribly close to fondness and hope.

"Family," she exhaled a little breath. "Now that sounds incredibly good."

The idea of being a part of a family that chose her, that she chose in return was something incredible. The family she'd had back home — no, back in England, she couldn't think of that place as home any longer, had never cared for her like this. Never cared about her the child, the woman, the person. It had always been a calculated game of what they could put in to get the most out. A bargaining chip, a marriage contract.

Here though, she felt free. Especially with the people, with him, who had decided, for some reason that she was interesting enough to invest in.

"I'm sure I will be comfortable here, thank you." There wasn't a doubt in her mind. "I'd ask for a tour of your ship but I'd hate to bring bad luck upon you, woman and ships, I know..."

She laughed a little.

[wastelandfairy]

She huffed a soft laugh at his harsh but true description of her current home. It was a shack, and though it was tidy and clean inside it was still a ramshackle collection of debris stacked together to make a shelter. It wasn't inviting or warm like this place and it certainly wasn't a home. Not like this place.

She looked up into his face as he came closer to her, her smile changing to something a little more private, a little more secretive and special. Just for him. He was something special, this flawed, perfect man. Out here trying to make things better on an island that was as free as it was inundated with anarchy.

Reaching up she covered his hand with her own, holding it against her forearm for a moment, "Yes. I'd like that too. All of it."

He did understand. He really did understand.

[grumpymusings]

"So would I," he admitted, his thumb catching hers rather playfully. "I don't have very many friends outside of my crew. Moreover, it'll be nice to have a woman in the house again. It's been quite some time. Two years, I think, to be exact. Someone aside from Jada, that is."

Maggie. She was the ghost that would always haunt him.

With a soft sigh, he let his free fingers brush her shoulder for a gentle yet meaningful touch. Afterward, he took her hand and led her off to the room that would eventually be hers, but he lingered in the doorway, giving her space to wander around.

"So... Do you like it?"

[wastelandfairy]

The touches he bestowed her with were perfect, he was so sweet, so delicate with her it was the most perfect thing that she remembered in recent memory.

She turned in the room in a full circle, examining the room. It was small and neat, pretty and clean. It was perfect for her. More Iike what she was used to, but with that freedom that she needed, that she'd finally found.

She turned the full circle and found him with her eyes, smiling brightly at him, "It's perfect!" There was absolutely no doubt in her voice, just pure joy. "Thank you. I mean that with every fibre of my being."

[wastelandfairy]

As expected of a house so grand it was absolutely beautiful. It was clearly well lived in and well cared for, it was certainly more loved now than with the previous owners, she had not a single doubt about that. Each room was clean and tidy, but there were still touches of life here. It didn't have that stale air that a rich house built for image had. This place was warm.

She was leaning against the railing on the little balcony off his bedroom when he spoke again, her eyes on the view, her face tipped up to catch the warm rays of the sun and the cool, salty breeze that blew in off the sea. It was almost like he'd read her mind, offering her exactly what her soul needed. Stability. Real, true safety and family.

Slowly she turned, her lower back resting against the balustrade, hands resting either side of her hips against the cool stone as her eyes found him, searching his face for a moment.

"I think," she began softly, earnestly. "That I could be very comfortable here. And I think I could be very safe here... With a family."

Did he even realise how much he was offering her right now? How very much she needed this? How desperately she needed people to want her, not just as a bargaining chip, but... Just for her. Just as a woman, as a human and as an individual.

[grumpymusings]

Something about her softened him in ways that he hadn't felt in so, so long. Because she was someone new, someone who hadn't known him since he'd arrived here in Nassau towards the beginning, since everything he had been through. She saw a side to him that so few ever saw. He was thankful for that, though. She reminded him of his humanity. That someone could want to know him, not just make a grab for his power and sleep with him for it, was something deeply healing for him.

Cresswell watched her for a long moment, his arms crossing over his chest. She looked comfortable here. Happy, at home. It was such a nice image. The sun painting her skin in golden hues, the way her eyes were warm and inviting, friendly, the breeze blowing into the room. It settled something inside of him.

"I want to know that you're taken care of," he admitted, "and not just living in a glorified shack on the beach, where anyone can bother you at night if they so choose. I want you to have friends, a family of sorts, those who care about you for you, not because you're just a beautiful woman here on the island. You deserve that security."

He did understand what he was offering her. It was the same as offering Jada a place to call home or Sam as well. It felt good to be able to help a friend and someone he'd come to care for, someone who had nothing here on this godforsaken but incredible island.

Taking a little chance, he wandered closer and ran a comforting hand down her arm. "If you truly want this, we'll get your belongings later, if you like."

[wastelandfairy]

She huffed a soft laugh at his harsh but true description of her current home. It was a shack, and though it was tidy and clean inside it was still a ramshackle collection of debris stacked together to make a shelter. It wasn't inviting or warm like this place and it certainly wasn't a home. Not like this place.

She looked up into his face as he came closer to her, her smile changing to something a little more private, a little more secretive and special. Just for him. He was something special, this flawed, perfect man. Out here trying to make things better on an island that was as free as it was inundated with anarchy.

Reaching up she covered his hand with her own, holding it against her forearm for a moment, "Yes. I'd like that too. All of it."

He did understand. He really did understand.

[wastelandfairy]

"That sounds lovely, thank you!"

She watched as Jada disappeared to what she assumed was the kitchen and she smiled then turned her attention back to Cresswell.

"She's absolutely adorable." She told him without a moment of hesitation or doubt. "You're incredibly lucky. You all are, actually, to have found each other."

She looked at him for a moment longer before she turned to glance around the room once more, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Now, I think you owe me a tour, please?" She asked, flashing him a smile.

[grumpymusings]

"We are," he agreed. "Me most of all, I think. They're goodhearted people to have in my life. I need that after being away at sea."

With a soft laugh, he guided her away from the hall. He showed her the rooms downstairs. There was a living room area, a storage room, closets, and a kitchen that they avoided until later. Then they went upstairs. He had an office, various bedrooms, the master bedroom, and more closet spaces. This home had once belonged to the previous governor of the island, and it was comfortable and spacious. It was also clean and tidy.

Standing in his bedroom now, he led her over towards the large windows and opened them for the sunshine and breeze. It felt intimate, somehow, just being in his personal space, but he neither cared nor minded. Then he shrugged out of his jacket and left it on the rocking chair in the corner.

"Do you think you could comfortably live here?" he asked, standing somewhere behind her. The question was almost a shy one. "I quite like the idea of you being safe while I'm at sea. When I'm not here to check in on you, of course. Jada and Sam while take care of you. They could... be family for you as well."

[wastelandfairy]

As expected of a house so grand it was absolutely beautiful. It was clearly well lived in and well cared for, it was certainly more loved now than with the previous owners, she had not a single doubt about that. Each room was clean and tidy, but there were still touches of life here. It didn't have that stale air that a rich house built for image had. This place was warm.

She was leaning against the railing on the little balcony off his bedroom when he spoke again, her eyes on the view, her face tipped up to catch the warm rays of the sun and the cool, salty breeze that blew in off the sea. It was almost like he'd read her mind, offering her exactly what her soul needed. Stability. Real, true safety and family.

Slowly she turned, her lower back resting against the balustrade, hands resting either side of her hips against the cool stone as her eyes found him, searching his face for a moment.

"I think," she began softly, earnestly. "That I could be very comfortable here. And I think I could be very safe here... With a family."

Did he even realise how much he was offering her right now? How very much she needed this? How desperately she needed people to want her, not just as a bargaining chip, but... Just for her. Just as a woman, as a human and as an individual.

[wastelandfairy]

She was absolutely in love with this place and the people in it already. It was all so homely and stunning, these people were clearly more then just employer and employee, they were family. A ragtag, found, perfect, family. And she seeing that, she realises she wanted that, too. Perhaps with him somewhere in the picture, yes.

A surprised and charmed little laugh escaped Bonnie's mouth at Jada's words and she glanced at Cresswell before looking back toward Jada.

"Well I'm flattered! Thank you. It's terribly good to meet you too, I've heard nothing but wonderful things about you."

[grumpymusings]

Jada was grinning from ear to ear, as thrilled as could be. "I'm happy to hear it," she said. "Come into the kitchen after he gives you a little tour. I'll make lunch for everyone. Sam should be inside in a bit as well."

In reality, they were a family of sorts. They were his found family. They were the family that Cresswell needed, especially after Maggie had abandoned him. Jada was there before her, during, and afterward to pick up the pieces. She kept him sane. Sam, however, had come along shortly after Maggie had left. He took good care of them, and they lived well. Sam, over the years, had become the son he'd never had.

"That sounds good," Cress said, expression gone soft. "Thanks, love. We'll meet you in the kitchen when we're finished."

[wastelandfairy]

"That sounds lovely, thank you!"

She watched as Jada disappeared to what she assumed was the kitchen and she smiled then turned her attention back to Cresswell.

"She's absolutely adorable." She told him without a moment of hesitation or doubt. "You're incredibly lucky. You all are, actually, to have found each other."

She looked at him for a moment longer before she turned to glance around the room once more, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Now, I think you owe me a tour, please?" She asked, flashing him a smile.

[wastelandfairy]

As he feet touched the ground she held onto Cresswell, ensuring that she didn't stumble and fall. Her hand curled lightly around his forearm and she smiled up at him, reaching back to pat the horses neck lightly, "Thank you for the ride, Maverick. It was incredibly nice to meet you."

She turned her attention back to Cresswell, her hand still resting lightly on his arm where she had yet to release him, her eyes bright with joy at the pleasant ride and the beautiful, peaceful area. Living down by the water, on the edge of the town it was hard to believe places like this existed.

"It's beautiful," she murmured. "Show me, please?"

[grumpymusings]

She was beautiful, but he held his tongue as he stepped down from the mount as well. The stable boy took the horse, and Cress brushed his shoulder with a gentle hand in thanks.

As they wandered off, making for the front porch, Cress couldn't help but place a hand at Bonnie's lower back to guide her along. "I'm glad you think so," he murmured. "I'll show you everything, don't you worry."

The front door was unlocked. His stable boy, Sam, lived here with him, same as his housekeeper, and he held the door for Bonnie. Stepping inside behind her, he called out, "Jada, I'm back. Come meet Bonnie if you aren't busy."

A shorter woman with dark, beautiful skin came wandering from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a kitchen rag. The moment she saw Bonnie, a big smile broke out across her face. It even reached her eyes as she wandered over. "Look at you," she said, gaze finding Cress' face. "My, my. Look at that grin on your face, sir. You're happy this morning. It's lovely to meet you miss, Miss Adelaide. I've heard nothing but good things about you. What a pretty face."

[wastelandfairy]

She was absolutely in love with this place and the people in it already. It was all so homely and stunning, these people were clearly more then just employer and employee, they were family. A ragtag, found, perfect, family. And she seeing that, she realises she wanted that, too. Perhaps with him somewhere in the picture, yes.

A surprised and charmed little laugh escaped Bonnie's mouth at Jada's words and she glanced at Cresswell before looking back toward Jada.

"Well I'm flattered! Thank you. It's terribly good to meet you too, I've heard nothing but wonderful things about you."

[wastelandfairy]

"Well I'm pleased that you've managed to get some sleep at least, you deserve the rest. As you said, it's been an incredibly trying time for you lately."

Of course as he led she followed, admiring his beautiful mount as he claimed, quite easily, into the saddle. It was a stunning beast, very tall, like his owner.

"And who is this beautiful.... Rather large creature?" She asked, stroking her fingers down the length of the horses nose as he turned toward her curiously. She laughed a little as he bumped her hand and then turned to accept Cresswell's hand, bouncing a little to help climber up. It was a task, she was tiny compared to both mount and man, but she managed. Once settled behind him, she tilted her head slightly and replied, "Of course I trust you, just in case you need to hear the words."

[grumpymusings]

"Maverick is his name," he'd mumbled as she climbed up into the saddle with all the help he could offer. Once she was settled behind him and continuing to speak, he couldn't help but glance over his shoulder with a soft smile. "Good," he added, tone low and earnest. "I want you to be able to trust me."

As they rode off at a gentle pace, he made sure she was holding onto him so she wouldn't tumble off. The island, once you got away from the houses, tents, and beach and went more inland, was rather beautiful. They rode off to his home, a small and cozy building in a clearing. He brought Maverick to a halt by the single-horse stable, and a young stable boy wandered over, waving hello as Cress helped Bonnie down to the ground.

"Here we are," he offered. "Easy does it."

[wastelandfairy]

As he feet touched the ground she held onto Cresswell, ensuring that she didn't stumble and fall. Her hand curled lightly around his forearm and she smiled up at him, reaching back to pat the horses neck lightly, "Thank you for the ride, Maverick. It was incredibly nice to meet you."

She turned her attention back to Cresswell, her hand still resting lightly on his arm where she had yet to release him, her eyes bright with joy at the pleasant ride and the beautiful, peaceful area. Living down by the water, on the edge of the town it was hard to believe places like this existed.

"It's beautiful," she murmured. "Show me, please?"

[wastelandfairy]

She was wide awake and ready when the little knock came at her door, she opened it with a bright smile, the light flooding into the dingy yet clean little room.

"Good morning," she greeted him cheerfully, unable to keep her eyes from doing a quick sweep of his body before landing on his face again. She enjoyed how tall he was, the golden morning sun glinting in his hair and making the silver shine spectacularly.

"Did you sleep well?" She asked as she slipped outside, pulling the creaky door shut behind her, making sure to lock up — even though she had very few possessions, nothing of particular value and the door itself wouldn't stop anyone if they really wanted in.

[grumpymusings]

"You're rather cheerful this morning," he laughed. "And I did, yes, thank you. It's been a rough month or so, and it was a welcome change, believe me. I can't remember the last time I rose in the morning with any energy."

Her home, despite the sparse possessions, was clean and tidy. He caught just a quick glimpse of the space before she closed and locked the rickety door. They wandered over towards his horse, Maverick, and he slid up into the saddle. He offered her a hand afterward, a gentle grin lingering on his lips.

"Come on. Up you get. You trust me, don't you?"

[wastelandfairy]

"Well I'm pleased that you've managed to get some sleep at least, you deserve the rest. As you said, it's been an incredibly trying time for you lately."

Of course as he led she followed, admiring his beautiful mount as he claimed, quite easily, into the saddle. It was a stunning beast, very tall, like his owner.

"And who is this beautiful.... Rather large creature?" She asked, stroking her fingers down the length of the horses nose as he turned toward her curiously. She laughed a little as he bumped her hand and then turned to accept Cresswell's hand, bouncing a little to help climber up. It was a task, she was tiny compared to both mount and man, but she managed. Once settled behind him, she tilted her head slightly and replied, "Of course I trust you, just in case you need to hear the words."

[wastelandfairy]

The kiss took her by suprise and she blinked at him, a tiny little smile pulling at her mouth as her skin tingled.

"I hope so," she murmured, her bright eyes lifted to his face, watching the way the sea breeze tugged at his hair. This beautiful, strangely pure man. And she was aware of how silly that sounded even in her own head, this man was a notorious pirate. But, to her, he was her friend. And that was worth so much.

"Thank you for escorting me home, I look forward to tomorrow."

Smiling for him again she turned and entered her tiny shack, already ready for tomorrow. And when she slept, she seemed to sleep better knowing that things would be better tomorrow.

[grumpymusings]

He slept well that night, which was a bit of a surprise, all things considered. Lately, with everything that had taken place with one of his crew members, it hadn't been easy. Sleep had eluded him on top of everything else.

Come morning, he found himself riding out to her house on his horse, tying the steed's reins to a nearby tree before stepping up to the door for a gentle knock. He hoped she was good spirits this morning. He was as well, oddly enough.

Things were finally looking up for him.

[wastelandfairy]

She was wide awake and ready when the little knock came at her door, she opened it with a bright smile, the light flooding into the dingy yet clean little room.

"Good morning," she greeted him cheerfully, unable to keep her eyes from doing a quick sweep of his body before landing on his face again. She enjoyed how tall he was, the golden morning sun glinting in his hair and making the silver shine spectacularly.

"Did you sleep well?" She asked as she slipped outside, pulling the creaky door shut behind her, making sure to lock up — even though she had very few possessions, nothing of particular value and the door itself wouldn't stop anyone if they really wanted in.

[wastelandfairy]

"She sounds absolutely charming. I can't wait to meet her." Jada sounded like the type of woman anyone would be lucky enough to meet, let alone have in their lives. Someone who'd lived, seen so much, experienced so much, wore the marks of life but didn't let them break her. It was so... Inspiring.

"I'm glad you have someone looking out for you like that, too." It was a soft confession, but it was true. He was looking out for her and he looked out for his crew, that much she'd seen, but it was gratifying to note that he had someone looking after him, too.

"No, I think I'd quite like to be escorted, if you're sure you don't mind coming all the way down here? I'd hate to put you out at all when you're already being so nice to me."

[grumpymusings]

"Putting me out," he scoffed lightly. "Don't be ridiculous, Bonnie. I offered in the first place. It's perfectly fine. I'll come by in the morning, and I won't hear a single thing about it, alright?"

Leaning down, he brushed a soft kiss to her cheek, tickling her with his beard. It meant a lot to him, to hear that someone was grateful that he had a friend looking after him. That he was taken care of. It meant something to him, somewhere deep and laden with past heartache and regrets, and it was more than worth a kiss.

"Thank you," he said honestly. "I'll see you tomorrow. Rest well tonight. And I did mean it. She's going to absolutely love you."

[wastelandfairy]

The kiss took her by suprise and she blinked at him, a tiny little smile pulling at her mouth as her skin tingled.

"I hope so," she murmured, her bright eyes lifted to his face, watching the way the sea breeze tugged at his hair. This beautiful, strangely pure man. And she was aware of how silly that sounded even in her own head, this man was a notorious pirate. But, to her, he was her friend. And that was worth so much.

"Thank you for escorting me home, I look forward to tomorrow."

Smiling for him again she turned and entered her tiny shack, already ready for tomorrow. And when she slept, she seemed to sleep better knowing that things would be better tomorrow.

[wastelandfairy]

"I'd really like that," Bonnie told him with a smile, watching as the wind ruffled his beautiful silver hair. He was a stunning man, really, and the more she got to know him the more she appreciated it.

"And by a lucky coincidence, it is my day off." She smiled and brushed her fingers against his arm as she glanced at her silly little shack.

"I can't wait to meet her, she sounds absolutely delightful!" The news that he'd helped a slave, another female, was something incredibly striking and she couldn't help but smile up at him, a look of adoration flickering over her face.

[grumpymusings]

"She takes good care of me," he admitted, laughing softly. It was ridiculous, really, that he could keep an entire crew in check and lead them to Spanish ships to plunder, and yet he struggled to keep himself fed enough when he was home recovering from the trips at sea.

"Jada's an excellent storyteller as well. The local children come to her nearly every night before the sun sets and she tells them fantastic tales. She never wanted a lover, or to become a mother herself, but children are special. She adores them. It's rather sweet, actually."

As she brushed a hand down his arm, he dipped his chin to watch her fingers skirt along his arm and the coat he wore. Something of a shiver ran down his spine, but he ignored the sensation.

"Shall I come by for you in the morning, then?" he asked, tone hopeful and light. "Or perhaps we could meet somewhere? The choice is yours."

[wastelandfairy]

"She sounds absolutely charming. I can't wait to meet her." Jada sounded like the type of woman anyone would be lucky enough to meet, let alone have in their lives. Someone who'd lived, seen so much, experienced so much, wore the marks of life but didn't let them break her. It was so... Inspiring.

"I'm glad you have someone looking out for you like that, too." It was a soft confession, but it was true. He was looking out for her and he looked out for his crew, that much she'd seen, but it was gratifying to note that he had someone looking after him, too.

"No, I think I'd quite like to be escorted, if you're sure you don't mind coming all the way down here? I'd hate to put you out at all when you're already being so nice to me."