Silence

Chapter 16

Jordan

I can't even pretend I'm not tried right now as I stand on deck during the day after doing the night shift for the past few days. Honestly how Capsize seems to be wide awake is beyond me, especially since she is still doing most of the work. She's been excited though since we're meant to be getting to Ianerea today. I'm not sure if I expected her to be excited but seeing her like this is great, she hasn't stopped smiling all day.

Redbeard seems excited too, though he's being less obvious about it. Everything Capsize does certain signs there's a smile that briefly appears on his face before he returns to what he was doing. Seeing both of them makes me even more excited about what Ianerea is going to be like. I've been told bits and pieces about it but that just builds up the idea in my head. I hope it doesn't end up disappointing but if it makes Capsize this happy I doubt that's possible.

"I think I see it, seriously this time," Tom says. He's been saying that every few minutes but again I feel compelled to hang slightly over the railing and look in the direction he's pointing. I expect to see just more ocean but this time I actually see what Tom said I would. It's in the distance and I can only just make it out but it must be the island, it's the only kind I've seen since we left.

"That's got to be it, right?" I say, trying to lean over more to get a better look. Finally, I think I get a good view only to be pulled back. I think, at first, it's Tom but as soon as I turn I realise that Redbeard is the one holding me. Once I've tried around he takes his hands off my shoulders,  a smile playing on his face.

"Don't fall in lad. We may not be far but it's still a long swim," He laughs. I notice Tom is lending against the opposite railing, leaving me to look like an idiot in front of Redbeard... I'll get him back later. "Anyway, just need to tell you not to leave the skip when we dock, Captain's orders."

"Why exactly?" I don't mean to question what Capsize has said, she's in charge and all that. Redbeard smiles at least, giving me a reassuring look. He puts a hand on my shoulder, steering me a little more away from the railing.

"Just to make sure everyone knows you lot are friendly. It's just because she's a little nervous," He says. I almost smile at the idea that Capsize is worried about me but I don't as I remember what happened when they first arrived. Sure the situation is different but with the cut Tom gave him still visible on his forehead I can't stop thinking about myself in his shoes like I'm going to in a few minutes. Capsize will make sure we're okay, I'm sure she will. "Don't worry though, you can stay on deck."

Red leaves me alone, watching as we slowly get closer to the island. The others join me over time but I can't find the courage to join in their conversation as my thoughts linger on the worst possible outcomes. Though I still feel excited as we get close enough to see buildings, more so as I see people. It's exciting but terrifying because gods this is real. I see some people point to the ship, some even pointing to me and the others, particularly children. It's hard not to smile when I see them waving, even with the fear in the pit of my stomach.

I jump as I feel a weight on my shoulder only to relax when I turn to see Capsize. I let out a sigh of relief, smiling at her as I calm down. She smiles back. The others have turned to look at her too so she taps her communicator so she can talk to all of us.

Just checking you're all okay before I go talk with them. The message flashes up and I feel myself smile more. Despite how I still feel extremely worried, her wanting to check we're okay makes me relax. She's just able to calm me down anyway, making me feel so warm and happy. The others don't know anything happened between us yet though so I don't want to be too obvious.

"We're fine, right guys?" I ask, getting positive responses from the others. Capsize smiles, looking at me with a spark in her eyes. She kisses me on the cheek before going over to deal with the gangplank. I feel a blush spread on my features, so much for not being obvious. Tom claps me on the back.

"Night shifts were worth it then," He laughs, keeping Tucker an arm's length from me. Tucker doesn't seem happy about that but if I'm honest I'm thankful for it. Sonja looks over the railing.

"Guys, we can watch," She says, beckoning for us to come over. I look over the railing, seeing Capsize on the docks with a small group of people signing faster than I can understand. While I can't understand exactly what Capsize is signing or what anyone else is saying but I can tell something isn't right just from the way she looks, she almost looks like she's going to cry.

"Something's wrong," I mutter, getting a few murmurs of agreement. We fall into silence as a young-looking man is helped forward while he struggles on a crutch while one of his arms is in a sling. Capsize shakes her head and ends up hugging him while the man talks. I try to figure out who he is but seeing as I've never met anyone from this island (other than Capsize and Redbeard, of course) that's an impossible task. At least it is until I hear one word.

"Andrew?!" I hear Redbeard say. I turn to see him slightly behind us, a look on his face of absolute fear as a tear rolls down his face as he stares at the man. A moment of fear runs through my head as I remember what Capsize told me, that Redbeard has a boyfriend. It's not surprising to me that he ends up running on to the dock hugging the man as the man hugs back the best he can.

"Should we go down there?" Tucker asks, making a lump form in my throat as I shake my head.

"No," I manage to get out even despite the thoughts in my head. "We need to give them a minute, this isn't our business."

A/N:

So they have made it to Ianerea and not everything is good. I've gone back and forth on what exactly happened before actually deciding, it'll be revealed over the next few chapters while they're staying in Ianerea.

Hopefully, you enjoyed the chapter and any questions are welcome :D