Currents

Chapter Five

Evan was writing in his journal, rubbing his eyes from sleep as through the porthole the sun was beginning to set. Checking his watch he saw it was getting late, and Jonathan hasn't returned from his office yet. For three days they've been bickering, but Evan took the time to learn about Jonathan through means of observations. From what his routine was, to how he acts around certain people, to how he even liked his coffee; he liked a lot of vanilla creamer. He didn't know why he wanted to try and get along with Jonathan so badly, but the words of Francis Que came back to him.
"Give the chance to warm up, I'm sure the two will become fast friends."
"Yeah right," Evan muttered to himself.
After another thirty minutes, he let out a sigh and got up from his spot. He went to the cafeteria to grab two mugs of coffee, finding Jonathan's favorite creamer, and placing some inside the coffee mug intended for Jonathan, and then left for the researcher's office. He saw that the door was uncharacteristically cracked open. Opening it up with his foot, Evan entered the room to see Jonathan hunched over his desk looking exhausted. When he spotted Evan, his eyes immediately narrowed with suspicion, causing Evan to smirk.
"Relax," he walked over, "I'm here with a peace offering."
Jonathan looked at the coffee, arching a brow before taking it. He took a small sip, tasting the heavy amount of vanilla creamer; just like the way he liked it. It caused his look to soften, because nobody, meaning no one, has ever taken the time to get his coffee right. They either added too little creamer or too much.
"How did you know?," he asked, quietly hiding his awe.
"You never talk to me," Evan shrugged, sipping his own coffee, "So I became my own researcher."
Jonathan gave a slow nod. He'll admit that was smart, and he would honestly let it go since he didn't make attempts to talk to Evan. He honestly didn't know why he didn't talk to Evan, perhaps not wanting to become too close to someone who, too, likes to work alone and would leave as soon as the exploration is done.
"Stars are supposed to be really bright tonight," Evan gestured, "Why not come on the deck and watch with me?"
"...I guess I can use a break," Jonathan agreed.
Both men walked out with their coffee, Jonathan relaxing as the fresh air of the sea blew in his face. The stars shone brightly, as there was no light pollution to block any of them. He took another sip of his coffee, still enjoying how Evan made it perfectly.
"So," Evan then said, "You like pirates?"
"Why?," Jonathan asked.
"Well, we're on a ship, we're looking for lost treasure, all we need is the rum. I honestly think I would make a great pirate captain, don't ya think?"
"Yeah, I totally can imagine it, bird and everything."
"Yeah, but I think I'd have an owl instead of a parrot."
"But owls are not really indigenous to tropical islands."
"Welp, imagine what you would like, I think I would look cooler with an owl."
Jonathan let out a small laugh, throwing Evan a little off guard. He has never heard Jonathan laugh before, and it was honestly kinda cute to him.
"Why did you agree to this expedition?," Jonathan then asked, "Is it just for the pay?"
"Nah, I honestly would have done this for free," Evan shook his head, "Atlantis has been a dream to find, a treasure amongst gold to any explorer. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find it, so I gave up. When your boss came by and gave me this chance, I had to take it. Even if we don't find anything, at least I get something for trying...What about you? Why did you agree?"
Evan looked at Jonathan, watching the scientist sigh and reach into his shirt. He pulled out a blue rock pendant, staring at it in sadness.
"I once also dreamed about finding this city because that's where I believed where this came from, this family necklace passed down from generation to generation," Jonathan explained, "There's writing on the back, but the translation has been lost to time, along with my interest."
Jonathan watched as Evan held it, flipping it over to read the back of it.
"It says...," Evan squinted, "...He-"
The boat suddenly rocked hard, causing both to cling to one another. Jonathan looked up to see a huge storm, making his eyes widened.
"We have to get to the captain," he said, "Now!"
Jonathan raced off to get to the control deck, Evan behind him. The boat rocked again, and Jonathan let out a scream as the floor collapsed beneath him; Evan quickly grabbed his wrist, barely grabbing onto the small ledge. They dangled there as the ship was torn in half by the raging storm, the screams of the crew and other workers ringing out as the violent waters started eating them up. Evan felt his grip loosening from the slick edge, and gazing down he began to calculate the fall.
"Do you trust me?!," he yelled at Jonathan.
He saw the fear written all over the researcher's face.
"Yes!," Jonathan answered him.
Evan looked at him, as if it would be the last human interaction he would ever have. He released his grip from the ledge, letting them free fall down into the ocean. He heard Jonathan scream, and he pulled him into a hug as they collided with the water below. He couldn't hear anything, couldn't see anything, but all he could feel was Jonathan grasping him. The boat was destroyed, and everyone was gone.
He can almost hear his father calling at him not to give up.
Dad?, he tried calling back.
The last thing he saw was a pair of blue eyes.