The Navigator

4. Devoured by Voracity

Authors Note: Song Credit, Oceans by Seafret. Gives me the feels

This Chapter contains some mature language and sexual themes. This story is rated mature so discretion is advised.

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Jax had left the Foundation Day party not long after Addy, giving her enough time for her escape as that was clearly her desire. Her deep instincts to bolt when confronted hadn't changed at all, that's why he had hidden in Dade's private room. He didn't really want to ambush her. However, he was only moments away from starting his search when like a ghost from his past, summoned by his wretched heart, she manifested next to him.

She was beautiful, obviously, Jax knew no matter what she had looked like on his return he would have seen her as beautiful. He had never been in love with her body but her spirit, and that burned deep inside her keeping the light of her eyes glinting for anyone who bothered to look.

He had recognized her silhouette before he had even fully turned his head. She was tall and slim with long elegant legs. Her hair was held captive against her head and her chest heaved under her silver top and he had felt a flush of longing race through him. He got that under control before he spoke to her, then watched her flee back into the crowd.

Jax was shaken from his recollection as he stepped into the light of the only building whose sign was still on, beckoning the occasional lost soul into its warmth. Jax made sure his face was composed into its usual unconcerned expression and he pulled open the door.

Cal's Port hadn't changed at all besides maybe the addition of more photos on the walls of Jax's fallen brothers and sisters. He also didn't recognize the bartender, but he supposed that was alright, life was fluid and he was just moving through it. He wasn't surprised by the few patrons. Teague, the owner, who didn't celebrate Foundation Day left Cal's as a respite for those who just needed a quiet drink and conversation. People like Jax who often needed an escape from a hectic holiday.

He took a seat at the bar, not even looking to see if what was once 'his' booth was empty. It would be weird to sit there without Addy wrapped around him, her legs draped over his lap as they laughed and chatted. Enjoying the drinks and food, but mostly just savoring each other. His time in port was always consumed by her. Devoured by his voracity for her, spending nearly every moment feeding the fire that was their relationship, and then he would shoot back off into space. Leaving her- to chase down freedom for himself.

In reality he was ferrying cargo from one colony to another, but space was an addiction he couldn't seem to kick. It's vastness, its danger. The problems only he could solve, the admiration from the crew that had been hard won for him. He had been born in space, birthed into ZeroG and had spent every moment from that one trying to prove himself. Prove that he had what it took to be a valued member of a crew, earn the respect of Captain after Captain. He had done that. He was a coveted Navigator, working with whom he chose, letting prospective employers prove to him that they were worth his time.

He would leave for months at a time, sometimes with no set return date, and he never expected her to be there when he got back. His stomach would churn with a momentary jealousy before his more rational mind could return to power at the idea of her moving on, settling down with some other guy. She never did, she would date other men sometimes, letting them into her otherwise very private life. On more than one occasion he had stepped into this very bar and found her sitting stiffly with some guy that was obviously trying to hold her attention and lose it completely when she saw him. By the end of the night she had Jax in her bed, the other man forgotten and the cycle would start again.