Chapter Text
On their days off, the two would spend their time lounging in bed. A mess of entangled limbs over strewn blankets, José sleeping while Kevin lazily massaged his scalp, playing with the hair that tickled the edge of his nose.
It wasn’t often that the first officer slept. A full night’s rest was rare and him having a nap was almost unheard of, but, there, in Kevin’s arms, he slept. Softly snoring, back pressed to the cowboy's chest.
Kevin focused on the rise and fall of José’s chest, hands dropping from his hair to loosely hang off his waist while he pressed his forehead to the base of his neck. He took in a deep breath, exhaling with a content sigh.
This was the moment he discovered the first thing he loved about his José: his smell.
The cowboy had minimal experience with the sea, yet, he swore, the smell of the ocean and it's salty air clung to José’s skin. Once you got past the lingering scent of alcohol, aftershave, and soap, he so clearly retained the nostalgic aroma of the sea whipped air he spent his entire life basking in. He could easily imagine the man in his 'prime', steadying himself on some ship's mast while overlooking the expansive horizon of the ocean before him.
He furrowed his brows, holding the first officer tighter. José softly hummed, shifting in his sleep.
Some day, he'd try and make José see himself as he does: not a shell of the man he once was, but an experienced sailor worth more than the titles he so desperately sought after.
Which would not begin with him going into a detailed explanation of how much he adored his smell.
He really wouldn't know where to begin explaining why he loved it- it simply comforted him, eased his nerves and now that they were finally together, he carried it with him everywhere. It was a reminder he had found love again and had managed to find someone who had loved him equally.
Kevin smiled, pressing a soft kiss to the exposed skin of the other's neck before settling against the mattress.
He decided then, he’d never tell José about this cheesy discovery. He could already hear how he’d mock, tease, and completely evade the complement. So, he’d keep it a secret.
For now.