The Navigator

16. Opaque to Translucent

Author's Note: So it begins, the great opening of eyes.

Song Credit: Fallout, Unsecret and Neoni

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

_________________________________________________________

Addy took her shift at the rail, tossing a hook out to catch the trailing strings of the parachute, hauling line and catching it into the wheel that was used to pull the cargo capsule to the side where a crane pulled the container on to the deck. She did this 17 times, fulfilling the expectations of the lead boat then answered the call of 2 of the others who were struggling to find the last of their assigned cargo. By the time all 65 precious containers were retrieved she was too exhausted to remember why she wasn't speaking to Jax, who had snuck up next to her as she supervised the unloading. Settling at the rail, his back to the activity.

"Fuck I'm tired, I can't believe you did that for years. I always knew you were tougher than me."

She could hear his smile, and knew that he wasn't nearly as tired as he indicated and found it frustrating rather than endearing.

"Shut up Jax, some of us have spent our entire lives living under the force of gravity and don't need the reminder how much easier it is to move heavy objects without it. Besides you aren't even out of breath, so don't lie to me, it's annoying." Addy spat, irritated with him and all the trouble he had brought with his arrival. Conveniently forgetting the moment before boarding, where he saved her from a painful fall. Where he had held her for a beat too long before setting her back on her feet, and back with her anxiety.

Jax snickered, unfazed by her show of temper, which only increased the pressure she felt behind her eyes, waiting to lash it out again at the slightest indication. He would give her one, he was bound to. Jax was always destined to earn her ire, and he bore it masterfully. Jerk.

"When can I see Gemma again?" He asked, the teasing falling out of his tone with the seriousness of his query.

Addy was ready to hiss again, telling him to give her space, demand time from him. Instead she snapped to his tone, the vulnerability in it working as ice water splashed over her face acting as a reminder that she wasn't free to speak to him this way. She had agreed, it was for the best and it was time to let Jax in on the new rules she lived by.

"I don't know, Darren will be contacting you and making arrangements, we think it would best if I just step out of the equation for now." She kept her eyes on the bustle of dockworkers in front of her, determined not to see the hurt that passed over his face.

"We...hmm. Do you really feel that way, because it doesn't sound like you. It sounds much more like a certain ass..." Addy cut him off with a gesture.

"Stop right there! You don't get to talk about him like that. He was here when you weren't, and you should be grateful someone stepped in for you!"

She heard Darren's words leave her mouth and she instantly regretted them, unable to keep from looking at him this time, heart now in her throat. Instead of the chagrin or activated rage she expected she found concern, a deep pity. Was that for her or for himself? Surely he had no reason to feel bad for her? His eyes scanned her, an analysis she had seen before when her life really was falling apart and she was trying to hide it from him. There was nothing to see now, so she didn't know what he was looking for.

"He calls you Addison."

Addy blinked, it was not what she had expected him to say, and was surprised for a moment before she understood his point and she started to blush. A deep embarrassment taking over her.