A Siren at the Helm

Chapter XXIII: Don't Forget Yer Old Shipmate

Esteban stirred in his sleep, the last tendrils of a dream fading away. He cracked open an eye. The captain's quarters was illuminated by the first light of dawn and filled with intoxicating quiet. Were he on The Vengaza, men would already be out and about, shouting orders and grunting protests. Here, on the Wayfarer, everything was still.

Esteban decided to make the most of this peace. Bloom and Mad Mich were on watch. They could certainly handle themselves for a little while longer if he were to sleep in. No matter how out of the ordinary it was.

He made to turn onto his side, but was stopped by the figure huddled tightly against him. The events of the previous night flooded his mind. Of course, how could he have forgotten?

He slowly lifted his head so as not to wake her. Tempest's arm was strewn over his chest, her hand clutching at his night shirt. Esteban almost laughed. If only she could see herself... Her cheeks would turn as pink as they had the previous night when he had teased her.

He peered into her face. It was quite difficult to do without stirring her as he tilted his head to get a better view. Even in sleep she was stunning. And being so close, Esteban could admire her at his leisure. Her hair was black as the fin of an orca and haphazardly spread over her face. Beneath it eyelashes, long and dark, fluttered against her cheeks as she dreamt. Though this time he was sure that it was not a nightmare, for a sweet smile graced her lips. He reached out to carefully brush her untidy locks behind her ear. It would not hurt to be able to see more of her face.

The action seemed to arouse her. Esteban quickly closed his eyes again. He did not want to be caught staring.

Tempest's first movements were lethargic. She was still half asleep, and seemed to cling to what was left of her slumber. There was a sudden jolt as she realized exactly how close she was to Esteban. He could barely hide his grin.

She sat up. When nothing had happened after a few moments he decided to "wake up" as well. However, just before Esteban could open his eyes he felt gentle fingers combing through his hair. He nearly fell off the bed in surprise. As he gulped, Esteban hoped Tempest did not see his Adam's apple bob up and down. He desperately wanted to open his eyes but knew if he did, the ruse would be over. Was she smiling as she had been while dreaming?

Like a shot Tempest suddenly pulled her fingers away. She cursed softly. Esteban was astonished that she even knew words like that.
She shoved at his side, "For someone who is supposed to run a ship, you like sleeping an awful lot."
"Buenos días to you too," Esteban answered groggily as he came upright. He thought his act very convincing.
"Aren't you supposed to relieve Bloom at the wheel?"

Esteban huffed. He had liked her better a few seconds ago. Yet he snickered. He was not about to pass up the chance to tease her. "I thought you would enjoy the company, as you seemed so grateful for it last night."
Tempest rolled her eyes. "Bloody pirate."
"May I remind you that you are one as well?"
"No."
Esteban chuckled. How she managed to have the energy for bickering so early in the morning was beyond him.

They sat in silence for a few minutes. Every now and then, Tempest would glance up at him with a grimace.
"What?" He finally asked.
"Your eye looks like a plum, though I suppose it is my fault."
Esteban gingerly prodded at his eye and winced. He had not realized it was that bad. He could only imagine how it looked.
"I'm sorry," Tempest did not meet his gaze.
Esteban poked her in the ribs with his elbow, "It is nothing. I have had far worse done to me." He thought specifically of a cut he had obtained during the fight with Breakwell's men. His shoulder still stung a bit when he moved.
Tempest's mouth curved into an apologetic smile.

At once Esteban frowned. He remembered something he had wanted to ask her about the previous night.
"Your nightmare... what was it about?"
Tempest's eyes glazed over and became stormy, her face void of emotion. She looked away before she answered, "It was about Marie... and the day I found out I am a siren. They got mixed somehow."
"What happened?" Esteban was not sure if he was asking about the dream anymore. He had thought that, living so close to the sea, she had always known what she was. How had she come to know?
He thought that it must have been terrifying, seeing as it resulted shrieking nightmares.