Ignite

Chapter Three: Glitter Island

One of the most beautiful sights in the world- in Irie's opinion- happened to be the precious minutes before the sun peeked above the endless sea horizon. There was a period of time when the entire sky lit up and cast a mirage of colors across restless waters. While Irie's eyes absently studied the scene her hands lightly grasped the wooden railing of the crows' nest. A chilly breeze whipped through her hair causing the faint thought to cross her mind that perhaps the best idea would be to retreat into the main cabin of the ship. It was always warm there.

At the same time, the last time she'd been inside Ian had been badgering Kennit. The boy had gotten it into his head that the best way to pass time was to learn about the other members of the crew. It had taken her no time at all to discover the reasoning behind this annoying theory- Ian held a rather romantic view of the sea. In his head, it was a place of heroic adventures with friends, which was the reason he'd joined the marines in the first place. It was the view of an idealist who knew nothing about the world. Isobel had been in the room the one time that Irie considered correcting his misconception. The look his sister had given her warned that if she wanted to be treated nicely in the future when she needed the doctor's care, she wasn't to go out of her way to set him straight.

So, she'd simply shut her mouth and let him continue gushing about the "magic" of the sea.

"C'mon! Just a single detail!"

Her eyes flicked from the sky as a single, already familiar voice hit the open air. Irie only realized then that she must have missed the sound of the door into the cabin opening, as a single figure had already taken up position at the head of the ship, compass in hands. Irie's eyes flicked to her wrist, surprise appearing as she realized she did indeed have her compass in place. Kennit must have acquired his own at some point without her knowing.

"I already to--"

"Just one!" Ian interrupted as he propped his arms on the railing next to Kennit. Irie couldn't see his expression from where she stood, but she imagined it was most likely the one she'd quickly began to dub his "puppy" look. "Something about you and the captain! I heard you guys grew up together!"

Her lips pressed into a thin line at his choice of address. While she was the current head of the ship, her rank had yet to hit captain. Something about the title bothered her even if it was partially the correct term.

"We did. Now--"

"Please?"

Kennit sighed, lowering his wrist and glancing at Ian with an expression settled half-way between amusement and annoyment.

"Fine, one."

Her lips twisted into a frown as Ian thanked Kennit excitedly. Without any thought being put into the movement, she leaned further against the railing her hands gripped, eyes boring holes into Kennit's back.

"Let's see... well, I can think of a little something that is pretty common knowledge around the base. You heard we grew up together, right?"

Ian bobbed his head in agreement to the question. In response, Kennit pursed his lips, tilting his head back as if it took a certain amount of effort to draw up the words he wished to share in his head.

"Well, then you probably heard that rumor, too. The one that says I'm desperately in love with our dear captain. I bet that might even be why you've chosen me to be the one to share information with you."

At this, Irie's frown became a scowl. Even from where she stood, her sharp eyes could pick up on how Ian's face lit up as blood rushed to his cheeks.

"I.. uh... well..."

Kennit laughed, reaching up a hand to ruffle Ian's hair. The boy only seemed to flush further at the action, instantly mumbling a protest and reaching up to straighten the messy locks. From her position in the crows' nest, Irie simply glowered down at the man. If the "little something" that he'd decided to share was what she thought it was... he was in for an earful the next time she got ahold of him.