Chapter Text
It had been storming for the past few days. Something about a tropical storm, Abbie wasn't exactly paying attention to the news that morning. Mostly because it was hard to pay attention to the news when you had a very eager mouth between your legs.
However, at the moment, the Captain was in the kitchenette singing along to some opera. She was standing next to the balcony door, watching the downpour. She wanted to go out dancing. But not in this weather.
And it was only going to get worse, if she remembered correctly.
A smile pulled at her lips as she heard the Captain reach the climax in the crescendo. She wasn't normally a fan of opera, but he certainly had a flair for it. Abbie chuckled when his voice cracked and he coughed. Okay, so maybe he didn't have a gift for it after all.
A few minutes later the music stopped and the Captain came from the kitchen bearing two plates.
“Lunch is served…” he announced, puffing out his chest proudly. “More local delights made in the comfort of our temporary accommodations.”
Abbie made her way to the table and had a seat.
“Oh, what recipe did the little old ladies foist onto you this time?”
He set down the plates and gave a wide swipe of his hand.
“An absolutely divine sancocho with Jasmine rice, fried plantains, and…” he scurried from the dining area and back to the kitchen and returned a moment later with two tall glasses filled with a light coloured drink and decorated with a bright yellow flower “... and fresh morir soñando.”
Abbie shook her head and grinned down at her plate.
“You're going to have me so damn spoiled by the end of this trip.” She looked up at him as he captured the seat at the same corner as her.
“One can only hope,” he said softly.
With a wistful sigh, Abbie tucked into the meal.
“Oh. This is good,” she moaned softly. “Seriously, Captain, you've outdone yourself on this. You keep surprising me with all these flavorful dishes.”
“Though not something to brag about,” Ichabod said with a tiny flip of his hair. “The British Empire did spend vast amounts of time colonizing many regions for their spices and resources.”
“Too soon, Cap,” Abbie intoned. Her eyes flittered to the balcony door. She sighed heavily then went back to her food.
“A penny for your thoughts?” The Captain asked gently, tilting his head as he studied her. “Although I fear for a woman of your caliber, your thoughts would surely be priceless.”
Abbie smiled.
“I was just thinking it would be nice to go dancing if all this rain wasn't keeping us in.”
The Captain glanced at the gloomy skies and nodded.
“Agreed. Dancing would prove to be a most delightful activity this evening.”
“Oh, so you can dance?” Abbie teased. “Like, modern dancing?”
His eyes twinkled in amusement.
“I shall have you know, in my day I was a most avid dancer. Always eager to learn the newest dance trend. My approach to this modern era is none too different.” He sat a little straighter in his seat. “Besides, I do enjoy Dancing with the Stars.”
“So where did you get this skill of cooking? I mean, something tells me it's not a recent development,” Abbie commented.
He was quiet for a long moment.
“I used to sneak into the kitchens,” he finally said quietly. “As a boy. The maids and the servants tried feeding me, of course, because who could deny this adorable face…” Abbie snorted lightly when he indicated his own face.
“I used to watch them for hours at a time,” he continued. “Asking questions and just generally being curious about the entire process. One particular woman offered to show me how to cook.
“I would always sneak away, late at night, and she would tell me about all of the gossip about town, she would talk about her son--who would have been my age… and she'd talk me through the steps for whatever practice dish she was having me make. It was one of the most memorable moments of my childhood.”
A darkness entered his eyes and he sighed heavily. Abbie wondered what happened to cause his happy memory to come to an end. She reached over and placed a hand on his. He gave her a gentle smile, then turned his hand over to grasp her fingers.
“My father found out and was none too pleased,” Ichabod said. “But I refused to surrender the name of the woman who was teaching me. It only served to infuriate him more. She turned herself in, hoping Father would have mercy upon me. She was dismissed. I saw her a few more times over the years. She ended up doing quite well for herself. Married a very nice nobleman who was good friends with my father.”
“That's good at least, I guess,” Abbie said with a small shrug. “For what it's worth… you didn't deserve what your dad did.”
“I know,” the Captain whispered. “Anyway… once I awoke in this era… since I spent a vast amount of time alone at the manor, I took up cooking again. I find it quite enjoyable.”
Abbie smirked and leaned close to the Captain. His eyes widened and his pupils dilated.
“So does this mean no more evil plotting from you? Your redemption arc ends with you starting your journey to becoming the next iron chef?”
A smile slowly crept back to the Captain's lips. He hesitated for a moment before responding with a saucy, “I think there are more enjoyable activities the two of us can partake in for the foreseeable future.”
Warmth touched Abbie's cheeks and she looked away and put her attention on the food.
“Wow, this is delicious, have I told you that yet? ‘Cause it's absolutely delicious.”
They ate in silence, their hands still clasped. It was the captain who finally broke the spell.
“What sort of dancing did you have in mind?” He asked.
Abbie blinked at him in confusion then remembered she had wanted to go dancing.
“I don't know. No particular type. Maybe not clubbing type dancing. Maybe just putting on a nice dress and mostly listening to slow songs. Maybe just kinda dance with myself unless I have a willing partner.”
His brows arched wickedly as he smirked.
“I would most certainly be willing.”
Afterward, the two of them worked together to get the dishes cleaned and the leftovers put away. Abbie eyed the storm again and sighed.
“I'm gonna go take a nap. This rain and that food have made me tired.”
“I shall go and see about rustling up some fresh towels and bedding for the morning,” the Captain said.
Abbie nodded and retreated to the bed. She stripped down slowly before sliding between the sheets. Unfortunately the Captain was nowhere in sight so her small tease had gone unnoticed.
An indeterminate amount of time later, Abbie awoke to soft kisses between her shoulders.
“Wake up,” she heard the Captain softly croon. She hummed softly and he kissed the back of her neck.
Abbie blinked awake and squeezed her thighs together as she felt a lusty pang.
“We're going to be late.”
“Hmm? Late? For what?” Abbie asked sleepily, turning over to face the Captain. She stared at him for a moment then realized he was wearing a suit. An actual modern suit. A small smile pulled at her lips at the grey plaid trousers and waistcoat paired with a purple and white plaid Oxford shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a yellow silk tie. “What's this?”
Abbie swept her hand to indicate his attire. The captain caught her fingers and kissed them.
“That would ruin the surprise.”
Sitting up, Abbie looked around in confusion.
“I took liberties to find you a dress that was appropriate,” he stated, tentatively holding a bag out to her.
“How long do I have to get ready?” she asked carefully.
“An hour,” he beamed, then leaned in and brushed his lips over hers. “I shall return at that time. I must go make some finishing preparations.”
“What's…” she started but he lightly pressed his finger to her lips.
“A surprise,” he said softly. “An hour.”
With that he hurried down the steps that separated the sleep and lounging area. She heard the entry door close and shook her head. What the Hell?
She opened the bag and peered in. She pulled out a shoebox then reached back in to pull out a silky dress. Abbie held it up for inspection and arched her brows.
“Alright, Captain, just this once your liberties are forgiven.”
With a grin, Abbie hopped out of bed to go start getting ready.