Tempest

Chapter 11

Belle had dreaded this day since the moment she'd realized her feelings for Sera were more than simple infatuation caused by her loneliness. The day that she would leave the Naunet, her crew, and her captain behind to start a new life with Gideon. All of Belle's things had been packed and were already waiting on the docks along with Cooky and a few members of the crew that would help them reach their new home.

Over the course of the last month a wedge had been driven between Belle and Sera as the captain had become hard and cold towards everyone. She refused to hold Gideon or even interact with him unless there was no other option, and there usually always was someone. Between Todd and Cooky, (both men having had experience with babies and children in their younger years) Belle had all the help she needed. Most of the time, anyway.

Sera had also started drinking again and didn't spend her nights in bed with Belle either. It was if Sera didn't want anything to do with her, but Belle suspected it was something else. Surely Sera wouldn't push her away for no reason?

"Well...this is it then." Belle stood facing Sera's desk while holding Gideon. The captain was in her high back chair but had angled it to face out the windows where she watched the beginning of the sunset and the other ships coming and going from the port.

There was no answer given and Belle swallowed harshly as she fought back tears. "So this is it then? After everything we've been through you won't acknowledge me at all?"

Again, there was no answer given, but instead of turning and leaving like Belle knew Sera wanted to do, she mounted the three steps up to where the desk sat. Pausing before going around the massive thing made of dark wood, Belle looked over the abundance of empty rum bottles and decanters. Her heart sank at how deep Sera had fallen, but she knew Gideon had to be her main focus now. She couldn't sacrifice being his mother in order to save Sera from herself.

The chair was rounded next and Belle tried to catch Sera's gaze with a smile but the blonde was staring blankly out the window as if lost in her head. After steadying Gideon in her left arm, Belle reached with her right hand and touched Sera's shoulder only to have the blonde jump about a foot into the air with a deep gasp.

"It's okay. It's me. Belle," she watched as Sera's ocean-grey eyes went from wide with fright to narrow slits. "I'm leaving. I... just wanted to say goodbye."

Sera gave a tilt to her head and a dark smirk that pulled her upper lip back over her teeth before lifting the bottle that had been placed between her legs. Three deep mouthfuls were swallowed before she made acknowledgement to the waiting mother. "I'm not one for goodbyes."

The blonde's tone was so dark that it made Belle pause with an intake of breath. This wasn't the woman she knew. This wasn't the woman she loved. This person was dark and as far from the Sera she had come to adore.

There was a lump in Belle's throat as she tried to swallow before licking her lips. They were as dry as the Sahara and she found it hard to breathe past the restrictions in her chest. "Can- Can I just-?"

Leaning down, Belle found Sera's lips and was surprised when the blonde reciprocated. It was minimal. Almost timid and shy, but it was there nonetheless. Belle's tongue and lips tingled with the burn of rum from Sera's mouth as the kiss was deepened and it seems as if Sera were trying to drink her in. All too soon though, Gideon began to fuss and Belle had to pull away in order to soothe him as a knock sounded at the door.

Sera ignored the knocking and with a final look to her, Belle crossed the cabin to open the door and find Todd on the other side. "Yes?"

"The men are waiting, Miss Belle. Is there anything else I can help you with?" He loomed over her, but his gaze was kind and understanding.