A love beyond the Skin

Four walls surrounded me, rocking rhythmically with the waves underneath. A single light swung overhead, bathing me in an ominous glow. I sat huddled on the couch, the windows behind me covered with sheets. What had once been our vacation home had turned into a prison. It was Vittoria's turn to go on a supply run today, but I regret letting her go out. Venice was her hometown, but even she was an alien in this new world.

I stood up and began pacing from one side of the boat to another. Vittoria had taught me to walk with the movements of the ship, the gentle sway of the wood underneath now comforted me. I wanted to peek outside to see if she was close, but I knew she would never forgive me for giving our refuge away. She had been gone since mid-day, and now the sun was starting to set behind the waters, peeking beneath the shallow husks of Venice. If she wasn't back within five minutes I'd go looking for her, she would do the same for me.

The doorknob began to slowly turn, without hesitation I rushed for my bat. I stood motionless, letting my body sway with the ship. I raised the bat over my head as a slender, pale hand pushed the metal knob forward, ombre hair followed after, shades of umbra and russet that hid the woman's soft features. Even under the blanket of brunette I could still make out each one of her freckles, counting them always put me at ease. The smell of her cinnamon perfume filled the ship, erasing my worries.

"Elena?" I realized I was still holding the bat, "Are you alright?" Vittoria eyed me.

"Yeah." I sighed, setting the bat back down onto the countertop, "You've been gone for a while... I was starting to get worried." I walked forward and brought her into a hug, she ran her fingers through my hair as I nuzzled my face into the crook of her neck. I didn't want to break away from the embrace, this was the only safe place for me left on Earth. Vittoria was the one who finally stepped away, putting her duffel bag onto the tiny dining table we had made from wood together. I was a little upset but didn't say anything, I knew I couldn't be so selfish when she had spent the whole day risking her life to feed us.

"How was today's haul?" I asked, unzipping the bag. Vittoria walked behind me, throwing her jacket over the couch as she slumped onto the cushions.

"Meh." She shrugged, "I couldn't find any vegetables, so we'll have to make due with fruit, bread and canned beans again." I started to pull out the contents of the bag and lay them out onto the table.

"Bananas?" I spit out, "You know I hate bananas!" I tossed the disgusting fruit lightly towards her. She caught it in one hand, starting to unpeel the yellow abomination.

"Get over it, princess." She snorted with a grin, taking a bite from the fruit. I walked over to her, jumping onto the couch and wrapping an arm around her chest.

"Who are you calling princess, punk?!" I brought my knuckles down against her head, I could only give her a noogie when she sat down so I had to strike when the chance arrived. She squealed a little under my hand, laughing as she tried to pull me off.

"Stop! I'm trying to eat!" She said through laughter, little chunks of yellow spewing out.

"I don't know if you've learned your lesson yet!" I said, ruffling her hair up. Eventually the noogie turned into a slow caress. My palm pet her head softly, my fingers running along her scalp. I sat behind her now, one arm around her stomach as she leaned back against me. We were smiling together, a moment I wanted to hang onto forever. I was entranced by her complexion. Her skin was always so soft, comforting me whenever I touched it. I picked up her hand, running my fingers across the lines on her palm. Her body was a ray of sunshine that broke through the clouds and warmed only me.

"Vittoria?" I asked, still holding her hand.

"Hm?" She didn't open her mouth, looking back to me as she chewed.