The deck of the ship was enveloped in scorching sun rays, but you found yourself embracing the warmth. After traveling across the Empire, the weather at sea was something you welcomed with open arms, finally able to discard your leather in favor of flowing linens, even if for a short while, and let your skin bask in the sun.
You were currently propped against the railing, with your back to the sea and legs crossed as you sat on the warm deck. In your lap, there was a wooden bowl filled with a variety of fruit - courtesy of Caduceus, as you helped him with picking out food supplies for your journey. While your cooking skills were no match for his, you could certainly appreciate a high-quality meal.
Popping a grape in your mouth - gods, it's been ages since you've had one of those - you glanced over to the upper deck, where you could just see Jester, currently neatly braiding Nott's hair, a smile gracing your lips upon this sight. Close to them, but carefully hidden in the shade, was Caleb, deep in thought, an open book in his hands. It seemed that he learned his lesson after burning his fair skin merely the day after you and your companions managed to obtain The Mist.
The Mistake, you corrected yourself, still amused by the fact that apparently your group were now pirates.
You were halfway through your afternoon snack when Yasha emerged from below the deck. Even though her skin appeared to be fairer than Caleb's, it didn't look like the sun bothered her much, yet she still spent most of her time in the closest vicinity of her temporary quarters. A pang of sadness resonated within your chest - you remembered all too well when you stumbled upon her Nicodranas, the wound of losing Mollymauk still fresh. She's taken his death the worst of everyone, which was to be expected, you supposed. They knew each other longer than any of you had known Molly and it still hurt.
"Decided to catch a few rays of sun?" You asked, shaking away the painful memories.
Yasha's head snapped in your direction, startled. She must have not seen you, sitting down on the deck.
"I, ah, yes, I suppose."
You smiled upon hearing her soft voice. Even though she appeared as the most intimidating from your entire group, underneath all that muscle and sharp eyes was gentleness that you were quite fond of.
"Great! Being cooped up below the deck won't do you any good," you said. "Besides, you look like you could use some sun, you know."
The words were out of your mouth before you had a chance to think. Yasha's brows furrowed and you winced at what you have just said.
"Not that you look bad, mind you, the paleness suits you, goes really well with the entire barbarian look," you rambled, trying to save your face. "In fact, I'm quite a fan of it, it's just, ah, a bit of sun never hurt anyone, right? And the air up here is such a nice change from the usual… smells of the city, if you catch my meaning."
You were pretty sure that you were making a complete fool of yourself, as Yasha watched you with an unreadable expression. Finally, she nodded slowly, as if not fully understanding what exactly you were talking about - and in truth, neither were you. It was quite a blessing that your skin was of this deep, red coloring, as you were sure otherwise you'd be blushing furiously right now.
"Anyway, would you like to join me?" You patted the spot next to you. She seemed hesitant for a moment, before deciding to join you and sat down on the wooden deck. From this proximity, you could smell the floral oils she used on her hair. It was a very pleasant smell, you thought.
"So, you're not a big fan of the weather here, I take it?" The question sounded lame to your ears but you wanted to fill the silence that has fallen upon the both of you. You offered Yasha the bowl of fruit and watched, with slight disappointment, as she settled on a quarter of an apple.
She munched on it for a moment. "It's just different. I do not dislike it but I never was in a place where it's this… hot. I know rains, and thunder, and bone-chilling frost, but I don't believe I ever imagined myself to be in a place that's just heat and sun."
You watched Yasha intently as she spoke, drinking every word. It wasn't often that she spoke of herself, and so you always paid attention whenever she mentioned something of her past.
"It is really a wonder that your skin doesn't burn, then," you commented with a smile. "Caduceus had to prepare an ointment for Caleb, you know. Don't mention it to him, though - I only know of it because I snuck into the kitchen when Cad was preparing it."
Yasha let out a low chuckle and you couldn't help but feel pride at the accomplishment of making her laugh.
"Guess it's just luck."
She smiled at you and warmth filled your belly. You ducked your face, grin spreading on your lips, and reached for the last fruit in the bowl sitting in your lap. It was a plump, golden orange peach - you brought the fruit up to your nose and inhaled its sweet scent. Peaches were your favorite since you were a child but they were hard to come by during travels across the lands. You were dead set of enjoying every bite of this one.
With a sharp knife, you skillfully cut the peach in half and extended your hand with the part that had no pit in it towards Yasha. Too engrossed in the vision of the fruit's sweet juices filling your mouth, you didn't notice as she tentatively took the half from you, brows furrowed as she stared at the peach. You bit into yours without a second thought, suppressing the moan at the delightful taste. It was just as heavenly as you remembered.
You finished the piece within seconds and, with no shame whatsoever, licked your fingers clean from where the fruity juice dripped on them. Satisfied, you looked at Yasha, only to find her staring at you, her gaze unfamiliarly intense. A shudder ran down your spine despite the heat coming down from the sky.
The second you returned her gaze, however, she seemed to shake out of it and glanced down, towards the yet untouched half of the peach.
"I'm, uh—" she started, unsure, and you could swear that a faint blush graced her cheekbones, "What exactly is this?"
You let out a gasp that was a mix of shock and terror. Surely she didn't mean…?
"You've never had peaches?!" The question came out louder than you intended it to and Yasha's blush deepened. You shook your head and scooted closer towards her. "This is an absolute crime, Yasha, I absolutely cannot believe… These are the sweetest fruits to grace our lands, so simple and yet so delicious, a poem on your tongue. Some people from these parts of the world will tell you that they're common and nothing special but don't listen to them. They're wrong. Peaches are positively one of the best things that I've ever tasted and I'm honored to be the person that introduces you to this miracle of nature."
You were aware that your passion on the subject was a bit ridiculous but Yasha seemed to humor your antics, as she nodded with a serious expression. There was a twinkle to her eyes, however, that could have been nothing else to amusement.
"Then I am thankful to discover them thanks to you," Yasha said, softly. Then, with you intently following her every move, she hesitantly bit into the fruit.
You watched, fascinated, as her face changed. Her eyes widened when the sweet richness of the peach spilled on her tongue - she seemed so lost in this new experience that she didn't notice the juice that her trickled down her chin, taking another bite. Or maybe she didn't care. You, on the other way, were overtly aware of the sweet droplets glistening on her face.
All too soon, she had finished eating and while you waited impatiently for the verdict, her expression said it all. She had loved it.
"You were right," Yasha finally said, a serene smile on her face. She wiped her chin with the back of her hand. "This — peach — it was divine."
A delighted squeal escaped your mouth, echoing throughout the entire ship. From the upper deck, Beauregard glanced down at both you and smirked.
Suddenly, placing a bet on you didn't seem like such a bad idea.
