A Lighter and a Flashlight

The Sea

It had started off as a pleasant stroll into the unknown, the two children proceeding down the slightly slick concrete leading them away from their near death experience. 

They came across pipes.  Used them as bridges forward.

They came across rats.  Gross - avoided those.

They came across Nomes.  Befriended those little guys!

The children shared a small procession before the little creatures got tired out. 

And then they were alone again, and faced with a strange sight.

They hadn't been truly sure until Seven turned off his flashlight, but when he had, the spot of blinding light ahead still remained.

They stood still, in shock, for a moment.  And then they were running - Seven briefly remembered the tugging sensation of Six pulling him from his stupor, starting to break out in a run.  He gripped her hand, willing his feet to keep her pace, feeling excitement spark in his stomach.

This new feeling -  this overwhelming sense of hope - it was magical.

The slight tilting sensation that always was present before was seemingly amplified now, a distinct rocking that the children had no issue adjusting to during their final sprint.

Their small feet slapped against the wet pavement beneath them, seeming to echo around them as they reached the end of the walkway, and to the opening letting in the warm, bright light.

And the fresh, salty breeze.

And the splashing, crashing noises of something bellow.

This opening was in the side of a ship.

The sea breeze, hitting their faces with new strength.  The loud sound of waves breaking against the metal hull of the ship, the ocean itself seeming to be miles below them.  The water churned below them, calm and slow, yet powerful. 

Every ripple in the water glistened with it's own highlight, bouncing up and down in the wavering body of the ocean.

A few clouds drifted aimlessly over the sea, fluffy and white, tainted ever so slightly by the sun's colorful glow.

The sun stared at the two children, bathing them in warm light.

It was beautiful.

Glowing orange in the sky, it settled on their pale skin, heating it ever so slightly.

It felt amazing.

Six rolled up the sleeves of her coat, pushing back her hair and hood, trying to catch the tingling warmth on as much skin as possible.

Seven had the same idea, already having hiked his pant legs over his knees, rolling up the worn sleeves of his blue jacket.

When they were satisfied with their work, they dared closer to the opening, the edge was slippery, so they were careful to not slip.  That would be a shame.

Together they sat on the edge of the opening, feet dangling in the open air, far from the rippling surface of the ocean below.

They kicked their legs absentmindedly, letting the sun's rays warm their cold skin - so this was the sun.

It glowed, setting the sky aflame with brilliant colors as it the horizon.

Six watched the sun, the sea, the silhouette of a ship in the distance.

Six watched as the greens and blues of the water mingled and wove together, forming the familiar - albeit murkier - hue of Seven's eyes.

Seven watched her.

Sure those things were amazingly beautiful, but she was more breathtaking then them all.

He had an excuse when they were in the bleak interior of the ship, but now, even when surrounded by a beautiful sea view, he found her the most interesting thing to watch.

How her eyes lit up with excitement when she realized nuances in the new scenery.  The innocent bewonderment in her eyes as she watched the ever changing surface of the sea with undying interest.  The beautifully simple amusement she had in closing her eyes for long moments, letting the ghost of ocean spray dust her rosy cheeks.

Her long eyelashes laying across her cheekbones, face calm, at peace.  It made everything fall into place, all the struggle was worth it as long as she could have this moment of happiness.

They sat in comfortable silence, waiting for the colorful display of a sunset, the way books had promised them.

Six kept having to brush back her bangs, the strands being pushed into her face by the salty breeze.

At what seemed like the hundredth time, Seven finally had the courage to do it for her, tucking a silky lock behind her ear.

She leaned into his touch, and he could feel her cheek press against his hand in a smile.

She met his eyes adoringly, playfully hooking his foot with her own.

Seven felt his smile widen in response, feeling elated, heart full in a way he couldn't place.

She smiled her pretty smile and he basked in it, stroking his thumb gently over her cheek.

She brought her hand up to his, intertwining their fingers.

Everything felt perfect.

And then she leaned in closer, and Seven felt his throat close up.

He felt her eyelashes tickle his cheek as she leaned in, kissing his cheek.

And despite the fact that they did this all the time, he felt as though...

As though this time it was different.  That this one meant something else.  Something more.

He just didn't understand what that could be.

She pulled back, flashing him her signature pretty smile.  The one he would always pride himself on causing.  The one he would give anything to see one more time.  The one that made him feel like everything would be alright.

Her head snuggled itself into the crook of his neck, fitting perfectly.

Six sighed, smiling comfortably, "I love you."

Seven let his head drop atop hers, "I love you too."

Together they sat, watching the sunset, just enjoying each other's company.

Soon the colors exploded across the sky, a marvelous display of reds, oranges, and yellows.  They streaked across the sky in brushstrokes, mixing together in a beautiful array of dazzling iridescence. 

The hues mixed together, fanning out over the horizon, setting the clouds alight with color.  

They sat, watching the beautiful scene unfold before them in wonder.

Hand in hand.

Heart and heart.

. . . 

Word Count: 1082

Published: 8/3/19

. . . 

Hey guys!

Just thought I'd say sorry for slow updates.

Really thought I would publish more over the summer but I guess not.

I've officially become nocturnal over the summer and am struggling to try and correct this.

Save yourself, don't make my mistakes.

- Raven