A Drink

[~Captain Flint~]

Addy finally got off work, having hastily explained to Roy the situation with the orphanage and the fifty pounds of missing fish before leaving for the day. Now she returned home and greeted Shep and the cats briefly, filling all the cat's dishes and bottle-feeding the two kittens. Then she took a bath and washed her hair carefully, then dried it throughly and threw on her sun dress. Why not? she asked herself, not daring to admit the garment had grown to be one she enjoyed.

A town clock rang six as she walked out of her house, her black hair down and sun dress blowing slightly in the wind, which felt good in the heat present even in the evening. Her footsteps were quick so she was somewhere in between a walk and a jog as she made her way across Kaiden to the orphanage, mentally coming up with excuses for Tom when she arrived.

When she finally did, he was standing in front of the orphanage. Hi. She greeted, surprisingly calm. She had been nervous all night, but a look into his eyes had settled her nerves in a way she hadn't thought possible. Thoughts buzzed in her brain, but her hands and voice were steady as she told him, Sorry. I smelled like fish and had to take a bath. That's why I'm late. she said, realizing she sounded like a tardy pupil giving excuses to a teacher. She laughed. I guess I'm used to giving you my excuses for tardiness, like at the orphanage. Only then it was usually because of an animal. she said, smiling warmly.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Tom was leaning against the wall of the orphanage, eyes closed. He wore simple blue jeans and a white vest covered with an open black shirt. His pure black hair flopped down over his face. As he'd heard footsteps approaching he'd opened his eyes and looked over towards Addy. A soft smile rose to his lips and he heaved himself from the wall. He walked over to her and greeted her with a hug. Yeah, you never needed to give me excuses though, it was just fun to see you stutter and panic. He teased, his eyes glinting.

[~Captain Flint~]

Addy was surprised at his hug, and smiled warmly, resting her head on Tom’s shoulder for a moment before releasing him. When he gave his response, she scowled, then pinched him in the side playfully. Of course. That sounds like something you’d do at my expense. I never stuttered with anyone else, but when I’d give my excuses you’d give me this look, and it would scare me into second-guessing myself. she said, laughing. Addy had never been very nervous around the man, except for when she was late or had done something wrong and had been forced to explain herself. Even when she had had a crush on him when she was twelve, she was calm and collected in his presence for the majority of the time.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Tom stepped back and put his arms to his waist, putting on his 'cross' face. He managed to hold it for a few minutes before he cracked up and laughed loudly. His eyes glimmered softly as he laughed and his mind ran through all the times he'd given Addy that look. Oh come on Addy don't be mad...dy As he added the last syallable he instately headed towards the gates of the orphanage, laughing.

[~Captain Flint~]

Addy laughed as well, admiring the look he gave her, though they brought back uncomfortable memories. She then eagerly followed the man, rushing to match his longer stride as he walked towards the gates. So where are we going? she asked, remembering again with a jolt that it would just be the two of them.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Tom thought carefully as they walked. Well, theres a place not too far from here that not quite so....we could go there? He asked with a smile. It's a small cafe type placed own by a nice couple that have often helped us out. Truth was, the owners knew of his monetary problems and wouldn't mind if he didn't pay until tomorrow. He nervously rubbed his hands together as he thought of his...'work' later tonight.

[~Captain Flint~]

((what is his 'work'!? You're killing me Dagger!!))

Sounds like a plan. Addy said, nodding as she walked alongside the taller man. She couldn't help but look at his strong arms, probably toned from work at the orphanage. She tore her eyes away to look where she was going, which Addy always thought was a good plan. She fingered her leather bag in her hand, which was small and plain and carried a bit of her money with her. So where do you work besides the orphanage? she asked him friendlily. When I was there, I think you had a second job... But I can't recall what it was. she admitted.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Tom smiled as they walked along, he stopped slightly when Addy mentioned another job beside the orphanage. His breath caught, Could she know? But when she said about the job he used to have when he was younger he pulled himself from the shock and began to walk beside her again. Oh, you mean at the shop? No, I was um....fired, I'd been caught allowing a couple of the orphange kids take a few sweets... He offered her his arm to link.

[~Captain Flint~]

Addy smiled sadly. That sounds like something you'd do, Tom. she said. That's too bad... Decent jobs can be hard to come by in Kaiden. They're just so many people. After I left the orphanage, I was stuck working down at the docks for almost a year, because most people aren't willing to hire a thirteen year old. I was lugging around crates and boxes, nothing too heavy, but enough so that my back hasn't ever quite been the same. she said, wincing at the thought. She had noticed that he hadn't mentioned where he was working now, but decided to let it be; he would tell her if he wanted to. She took his arm, her stomach tingling as their arms touched, and her dress folds brushing against his pants. She continued, slightly flustered by his closeness; she imagined she could feel his warmth. Which is why I'm so glad I got this one. I never have to lift anything more than twenty five pounds, which isn't bad. The cats love the fish, too. And the hours are great... Early so I have the rest of the day to myself... Speaking of which, did the orphans like the fish? Addy asked, remembering from her days at the orphanage just how meager portions were there. The fifty pounds of fish probably did them all some good.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Tom gasped, Of course, I competely forgot, they loved them, it was like it was all their birthdays and christmas's rolled into one. You should have seen their face light up, Addy. He pulled her hand up and kissed lightly in a very gentlemanly way. Thank you, I owe you, I seriously do. He smiled down at her. And I'm glad you've got a decent job now, so enough about job talks. What else is happening in your life?

[~Captain Flint~]

Addy blushed deep crimson and nodded, I'm glad they liked them. she said softly, smiling without realizing how obvious it was that she admired him in a more-than-friendly way. Why did he kiss my hand? Why? a small voice asked her nervously. She pushed it back, Think about it and swoon later. she said sarcastically to herself before realizing that he'd asked her a question. Hmm? Oh, nothing too exciting. I've been really busy with the kittens, and I've met a couple of friends that I spend time with sometimes. I even dragged Cody, you know, that boy from Dagger's ship, to the beach. You know how much I love the beach last week. she said, forgetting to be nervous as she laughed.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Tom face fell a little. Cody from Dagger's ship? Oh, that boy from Luke's ship. Hmmm... Tom suddenly wanted to meet this Cody and ensure he was being nice to his Addy. Tom wouldn't be able to face it if she got hurt. He had noticed her blush when he kissed her hand and he pondered that. It was something he did. Tomm Button, gentleman.

[~Captain Flint~]

Remember that time the orphanage went to the beach? I was five or six, and it was the first time I'd ever been. I didn't want to leave, at the end of the day, because I was so in love with the ocean. You threw me over your shoulder and carried me back. she said, smiling at the memory. She realized how much she'd been smiling tonight. Tom had always had that effect on her, made her happy instead of worried about one thing or another. Addy wondered if they were almost there- she was hungry after a long day at work.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Tom turned to look at her with a smirk before grabbing her around the waist and swinging her around to face him. You mean like this? He hoisted her up and flung her over his shoulder and began to run. The beach was a short detour from their current path and so he swerved down a road to the left and ran all the way,laughing, only setting her down again once they hit the sand.

[~Captain Flint~]

Addy yelped, then laughed furiously. Regaining her composure, she wiped tears from her eyes. So much for acting gentlemanly. she said wryly, without even a hint of terror as he ran with her on his shoulder; she trusted him to keep her safe. When he plopped her down on the sand, she grabbed him around the elbow and pulled him down to the ground beside her. She laid her head on his shoulder and laughed for a minute, before lifting her head to look at him. You haven't changed a bit, Tom. she said, content on the sand.