A Rude Awakening

She returns at the crack of dawn to catch you sitting in bed, naked and half-awake. The space behind you is cold and empty. And you feel for her again, disbelieving her standing so far away.

"Good morning, First Officer." She wears more than you remember, linen pants and an elegant blouse, moving as she talks to light the lanterns and clear away the used dishes. "You were very kind yesterday and I so much enjoyed our time together I forgot to ask whether I may be permitted to return today. Anyway, I have brought your book back lest you think me a thief, and I understand if my continued interruptions are too much."

You groan as you try to rub the sleep from your eyes. Cold sea air creeps through a crack in the door and you search for your blanket, tossed off during the night. It lays, bunched and tangled, at the foot end. You pick it up but forget the why. She can stay, you decide. And it is the {if Captain’s Health = 0} former {else} One-Eyed{endif} Captain’s book, not yours.

"But I am early." She stands before you and looks into your eyes. "So your confusion is entirely my fault. It is your cot and you may remember and forget whatever you chose – especially since it is only dawn."

You catch her glance and remember. The sweat-soaked linen fails to conceal your morning wood.

"It was a little embarrassing," she says, smiling and staring. "And I could come later tomorrow – if you were to license my return yet again. But I would feel silly going back now as you do your ablutions, and I dare not wait outside. I will turn away, dear First Officer, and I promise I won’t peek."

You wash and dress yourself, your skin prickling as you imagine her stealing glances. But you do not catch her, despite your repeated attempts. She has brought her own books and you share. A treatise on natural philosophy catches your eyes and soon you have taught her the basics of navigation. The calculations are easier done together, and easier yet on the next day.

The two of you take your meals together, and later walk to aid with digestion. Salt and wind lift your spirits and she usually picks the smutty romances back up after. She leaves early, often borrowing a book, and wakes you earlier. You in turn lay awake, imagining her in bed, and on the third day catch her looking as you rinse your naked body with cold water.