Chapter Text
It was a clear night on the Albatross. The now crew of 5 had set out about three weeks ago, leaving Geraldo Island behind, not going anywhere in particular. The traveled along the Royal Sea, letting the waves “control their destiny” as Gillion would often say. It appears their knack for finding cursed islands to save had stopped for a bit and they had been able to travel peacefully without seeing anyone.
The day preceding this night had been another average one, mainly consisting of the crew going around and doing busy work. After a long day of work, the 5 had dinner together before retiring just after the sun had gone down. Chip, however, did not
Chip was left on the main deck of the ship alone after the others had gone in. Jay had first watch that night, but Chip assumed she had gone down to get ready. He leaned over the railing of the ship and allowed the wind to blow into his face. In his hands, he held Arlin’s coin. He fidgeted with it as he gazed down at the dark sea. As he stared down, he felt connected to Arlin. It felt as thought he would see his hand reach out of the sea and pull himself out and on to his ship and wrap Chip up into a hug. But no hand appeared out of the water.
Chip dragged his thoughts away from the sea and back towards his purpose for standing out here and waiting for Jay.
“Hey Jay, you’ve worked so hard today, ya know? You should get some rest! Ill take your watch for the night” Chip repeated to himself. That was what he had decided on he was going to say to Jay once she walked back out. It was simple, I would put her mind to rest, and it was flattering! Jay couldn’t say no.
As if perfectly on cue, Chip heard someone walking from the upstairs. Quickly Chip pocketed the coin. Turning around, with his mouth already opened, Chip came face to face with Gillion Tidestrider? Now that was one factor Chip had not expected. Gillion stood at the top of the stairs holding a candle and looking probably just as confused as Chip.
“Gill? What are you doing awake?” Chip asked.
“I could ask you the same thing, Chip. Your shift isn’t until after Jay’s” Gillion responded. He stood still, not approaching Chip.
“Yours isn’t until the end of the night, Gill! So, answer me first” Chip said stand offishly, turning his head away from Gillion. Chip knew he’d have to deal with convincing Gillion later into the night, but not this early. Chip hated being caught off guard, especially by Gillion. Chip could hear the wood creaking as Gillion approached him. By the time Chip finally spared a quick glance at his crewmate, Gillion stood next to him staring out over the railing with the candle in between them. Gillion’s longer hair was waving in the wind and candle casted it’s golden light onto his face.
Chip thought back to the first time he met Gillion. After pulling him out of sea, Chip could have sworn it was deity he had clasped hands with. He had quickly dismissed those feelings as ridiculous as he got to know Gillion better, but looking at him now, Chip could see why he first thought that.
“Being honest, I have found myself struggling to sleep”, Gillion responded, shaking Chip out of his thoughts, “I’ve been coming up to just look out to ease my mind”. Chip stared at Gillion while Gillion stared at the sky, before Gillion turned towards Chip once more. Chip flicked his head away quickly and his eyes settled back on the sea. Chip could feel Gillions eyes stare at the side of his head.
“Well…” Gillion said, not taking his eyes off of Chip.
“What Gillion?”
“I answered your question, now you answer mine”. Chip turned back towards Gillion again. Gillion had moved closer because now the two were basically face to face. Chip was torn between staring into Gillion’s eyes forever or turning away and hurtling himself into the sea.
“It’s just nightmares, Gill” Chip mumbled to Gillion, his eyes desperately trying to look at anything other than the triton’s face right in front of him. Ever since the incident after Lofinlot, Chip had tried to make an effort to be honest to Gillion, even when he did not want too.
“Oh” Gillion said quietly.
Chip was seriously contemplating throwing himself into the sea at this point. Gillion had a stupid look of pity on his stupid face and Chip wanted nothing more than to stop looking at it. And yet?
Gillion reached out and took Chip’s hands. Gillion’s soft eyes met Chip’s finally. His perfect crystal grey eyes. Wait grey?
“Oh, gods oh gods”
It’s pouring raining
“No no no no”
A person with so much fire in them shouldn’t be this still
“Please”
I loved him, why does everyone I love leave me
“Not him too please”
“CHIP breath!”
They’re blue. Chip found himself on the deck of his ship with tears rolling down his face. He was shaking. Gillion knelt in front of him with his hands-on Chip’s shoulders. The weight on him was nice. Gillion’s eyebrows were furrowed with concern.
“Are you okay, Chip”
Chip said nothing, but instead leaned in and wrapped his arms around Gillion. Gillion froze before slowly returning the hug.
“Gill” Chip said quietly.
“Yes, Chip”
“Don’t die. Please”
“Chip if-“
“Don’t say anything about your destiny! Just… tell me you won’t”
“…I won’t”
Chip felt embarrassed but comforted at the same time. “What would Arlin think?” Chip thought. He raised him to be strong and here he was crying over a bad dream in the arms of a fish he found himself attracted too. On the other hand, …
“Thank you, Gill,”
“No problem Chip. I’m always here if you need me”
After sitting for a few minutes, of just sitting on the deck, Chip’s breathing slowed. Gillion slowly shifted him off his shoulder and laid Chip’s head on his lap. He had fallen asleep. Gillion couldn’t help but notice how he had never seen Chip look so peaceful. Gillion smiled. He slowly picked up Chip and stood up. Grabbing the candle, he walked downstairs. Right before he opened the door to their sleeping quarters, the door opened itself to reveal Jay. She just stared at Gillion who was carrying Chip bridal style.
“Do you need a candle Jay?”
“Uhhh sure?”
Gillion handed the candle to Jay and then walked right past her and placed Chip in his bed.
“Night Jay!” Gillion said before hopping into his barrel.
“Wait Gill!” Gillion poked his head out of the barrel again. “Why were you carrying Chip?”
“We were on the deck and he fell asleep” Gill said casually before ducking back under the water. Jay stared in confusion. She pushed her finger into her palm. When it didn’t go through, she just looked up again. Not a dream then.
She turned out of the room and walked up to the deck. She climbed up to the crow’s nest, set down her candle, and pulled out a book and pen.
Dear Mom,
I’m pretty sure my crewmates are dating.